Srinagar, Mar 15: Rains lashed the plains across Kashmir on Sunday, bringing down temperatures across the Valley, while several higher reaches received fresh snowfall amid forecasts of continued unstable weather across Jammu and Kashmir till March 20.
The Meteorological Centre Srinagar said intermittent rainfall were recorded at many places in the Kashmir division and at a few locations in the Jammu division.
He said the weather is likely to remain partly cloudy on March 17, with chances of brief spells of light rain or snowfall over isolated higher areas.
The MeT department said weather conditions are likely to remain mostly dry between March 21 and 23, while March 24 and 25 may witness generally cloudy skies with chances of light rain or snowfall over higher reaches at scattered locations.
Advising caution, the department asked travellers and transporters planning to move through higher reaches and key mountain passes to plan accordingly.
It also warned of the possibility of thunder and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph at a few places during March 15–16 and again between March 18 and 20.
Farmers have been advised to suspend farm activities from March 15 to 20 in view of the prevailing weather conditions, Ahmad added.
Meanwhile, fresh snowfall was reported at Apharwat Peak and Kongdoori in the famous ski resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, bringing cheer to tourists visiting the hill destination.
Officials said light to moderate snowfall occurred in the higher reaches of Gulmarg during the day as a western disturbance affected weather conditions across parts of Kashmir.
The snowfall transformed the slopes of Apharwat Peak and Kongdoori into a fresh white landscape, attracting tourists and winter sports enthusiasts who gathered to witness the snowfall and enjoy the scenic surroundings.
Visitors said the snowfall enhanced the charm of Gulmarg, which is known internationally for its skiing slopes and the Gulmarg Gondola—one of the highest cable car systems in the world.
“We were lucky to witness fresh snowfall today. It made the entire place look magical,” a tourist visiting Gulmarg with his family said.
Local tourism operators said fresh snowfall often boosts tourist activity in Gulmarg as visitors look forward to experiencing snow-covered landscapes and winter activities. Hotel owners and guides said many tourists were seen heading towards Kongdoori and the upper slopes after hearing about fresh snowfall in the area.
Fresh snowfall was also reported in Doodhpathri in central Kashmir’s Budgam district on Sunday, bringing a sudden spell of winter-like weather to the popular tourist destination.
The snowfall covered the meadows and surrounding hills of Doodhpathri with a fresh layer of snow, while temperatures dropped noticeably across parts of the district, residents said.
Locals said light to moderate snowfall was witnessed in the higher reaches of Doodhpathri during the day.
The fresh snowfall transformed the scenic landscape of the meadow, which is widely known for its lush green grasslands during the summer season.
“The snowfall has covered the meadows and nearby hills, giving the area a winter-like appearance again,” a local resident said.
Meanwhile, vehicular movement on the Srinagar–Kargil highway was suspended again on Sunday after fresh snowfall at Zojila Pass rendered the road unsafe for travel, officials said.
Authorities had earlier allowed limited traffic movement from Sonamarg towards Kargil after the highway was temporarily reopened following a six-day closure caused by heavy snowfall and snow accumulation along the Zojila stretch.
Officials said snow clearance operations were carried out by the Border Roads Organisation after improvement in weather conditions to restore connectivity on the strategic route.
Following the clearance, traffic authorities permitted nearly 300 vehicles, including passenger vehicles and carriers transporting vegetables and other essential supplies, to move from Sonamarg towards Kargil on Sunday morning.
However, fresh snowfall at the high-altitude pass soon made road conditions unsafe, forcing authorities to suspend vehicular movement again as a precautionary measure.
Officials said further decisions regarding the resumption of traffic would be taken after assessing weather conditions and road safety along the Zojila axis.
Meanwhile, the historic Mughal Road has also been closed for all types of vehicular movement following fresh snowfall and rainfall at Peer Ki Gali, officials said.
SSP Traffic Rural Kashmir Farooq Qaiser said the road has been shut as a precautionary measure due to fresh snowfall at Peer Ki Gali and inclement weather conditions along the route.
He advised commuters to refrain from travelling on the Mughal Road until further notice, adding that the road status will be communicated once it is declared safe and reopened for traffic. (Agencies)
