Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
Fresh snowfall was recorded at Kabul Gali in north Kashmir’s Gurez Valley on Thursday, while widespread rainfall lashed Jammu and Kashmir, with several parts of south Kashmir and the Jammu division receiving heavy showers, officials said.
Srinagar recorded 8.2 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours preceding Thursday, while Qazigund, Pahalgam and Gulmarg received 13.4 mm, 13 mm and 13.2 mm of rain, respectively.
The Jammu division also witnessed significant rainfall during the period. Udhampur recorded 117.8 mm, the highest among the reported locations, followed by Jammu with 112.9 mm and Katra with 45.2 mm.
Meanwhile, Kabul Gali, situated at an altitude of around 4,167 metres, received light to moderate snowfall, leaving the high-altitude pass and adjoining areas covered with a fresh layer of snow.
The strategic mountain pass connects Tulail Valley in Gurez with the Mushkoh Valley towards the Drass sector of Ladakh and remains an important high-altitude route in the region.
The fresh snowfall did not result in any major disruption, officials said. However, travellers and residents heading towards higher reaches have been advised to exercise caution in view of the changing weather and slippery conditions that may develop at higher elevations.
The widespread rain and snowfall also brought a noticeable change in weather conditions, with temperatures dropping across several parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
Chilly conditions were reported particularly from higher reaches, where the combination of rain, snowfall and strong winds contributed to a further fall in temperatures.
The latest weather activity has also highlighted the sharp contrast in conditions across Jammu and Kashmir, with snowfall confined mainly to high-altitude areas while lower and mid-altitude regions experienced rainfall.
Authorities have advised people travelling to mountainous and higher-altitude areas to remain alert to weather conditions and follow local advisories, particularly on routes vulnerable to slippery roads and sudden changes in visibility.
