Snowfall, light rains in Kashmir give respite from dry spell

The high altitude areas of Kashmir including the famous ski resort of Gulmarg received snowfall while light rains occurred at Srinagar and other plain areas of the Valley, breaking the prolonged dry spell.

Light to moderate snowfall occurred in Gulmarg, the star attraction for tourists visiting the Valley during winter season and other high altitude areas since this afternoon, officials said.

They said Gulmarg received four centimetres of snowfall till 5.30 PM, a good news for ski lovers who waited in anticipation for the white blanket to fully enjoy the sport.

The peripheral areas of Gulmarg including Aferwath, Khilanmarg and Kongdoori received moderate snowfall ranging between four inches to six inches, the officials said.

Reports of snowfall were also received from Z-gali, Sadna and Razdan tops and Gurez near the Line of Control in north Kashmir, Sonamarg on Srinagar-Leh national highway and higher reaches of Pir Panjal range including 3,880 metre high holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas, the officials said.

Srinagar and other parts of the Valley received light rains giving a respite to the people from the dry spell.

Srinagar, Qazigund, Kupwara, Pahalgam and Kokernag received rainfall intermittently during the day, the officials said.

Kashmir is currently under the grip of ‘Chillai-Kalan’ – the 40 day harshest winter – which began on December 21. The chances of snowfall are maximum and most frequent during this period which leads to increase in the night temperatures bringing respite from the cold wave conditions, which otherwise intensify due to dry weather in winters.

However, dry weather prevailed over the Valley for more than half of the 40-day period and the spell was broken by today’s snowfall and rains.

The MET Department has predicted light to moderate rains or snowfall at most places across the state over the next 24 hours. However, there would be decrease in precipitation from tomorrow evening, it said.