Fresh Snowfall Covers Kashmir’s Higher Reaches as Severe Cold Tightens Grip

Fresh Snowfall

Several high-altitude areas of Kashmir were covered in fresh snowfall on Sunday, while the Valley continued to face intense, bone-chilling cold.Fresh snow was reported from popular tourist and upper regions including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Doodhpathri and Tangmarg, adding to the harsh winter conditions.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Earlier, officials at the Srinagar centre of the India Meteorological Department had said that Jammu and Kashmir would remain largely dry from January 3 to 5. They had also forecast cloudy weather on January 6, with a chance of light snowfall over isolated higher reaches of north and central Kashmir. From January 7 to 15, the weather was expected to stay partly cloudy.

However, residents said the snowfall came as a surprise and did not fully match earlier projections.

“They had mostly spoken about dry weather until January 15,” said Muhammad Amir, a local resident.

An IMD official clarified that rain and snowfall at isolated places had been mentioned in the department’s daily weather bulletin issued on Sunday morning.

“We had predicted rain and snowfall in the short-term outlook,” the official said.

Sharif Ahmad Dar, Manager at Hotel Grand Mumtaz in Gulmarg, told Greater Kashmir that snowfall began around 1 pm and continued on and off through the afternoon. By 6 pm, Gulmarg had received nearly two inches of fresh snow.

Despite the snowfall and biting cold, hoteliers said the tourist resort remained lively. Visitors were seen enjoying the fresh snow and winter views, while hotels reported steady occupancy and increased interest in snow-related activities.

Meanwhile, minimum temperatures across Kashmir dropped further on Sunday, pointing to a strengthening cold wave. Srinagar recorded a low of minus 3.2 degrees Celsius, down from minus 1.5 degrees Celsius a day earlier.

Other areas saw a sharper overnight fall. Qazigund recorded minus 4 degrees Celsius, compared to minus 2.6 degrees on Saturday, while Anantnag dropped to minus 4.6 degrees Celsius from minus 3 degrees Celsius.

Shopian and Gulmarg remained among the coldest places, registering minus 6 degrees Celsius and minus 6.5 degrees Celsius respectively. Pulwama recorded minus 5.1 degrees Celsius, down from minus 3.9 degrees Celsius.

The temperature at Srinagar Airport also fell to minus 4.2 degrees Celsius, compared to minus 2 degrees Celsius the previous night.

Most other districts, including Baramulla, Budgam and Kupwara, also reported lower minimum temperatures, highlighting the continued grip of severe cold across Kashmir.

Fresh Snowfall Transforms Bhaderwah Valley and Kashmir into Winter Wonderland

snowfall

Jammu division’s Bhaderwah valley in Doda district received a fresh snowfall on Thursday, as did the adjacent region of Bhalessa which was blanketed in pristine white. Poonch, too, was freshly covered in snow; while further north in Kashmir valley, there has been snowfall in Anantnag and the adjoining areas of south Kashmir.

Competing healthily with spells of snowfall in Kashmir valley, following the restoration of the Bhaderwah-Basholi-Pathankot National Highway, a large number of tourists thronged to Bhaderwah region of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the Guldanda meadow, after it received heavy snowfall earlier in January.

Guldanda, which is located at almost 10,000 feet altitude, has become a popular destination for visitors from across the country. In the past year, over 5 lakh tourists visited various parts of Bhaderwah, according to the Publicity Officer of the Bhaderwah Development Authority (BDA), Aamir Rafique.

As temperatures dip, the famed Kashmiri saffron fields and apple orchards lie dormant, in seasonal rest. Local markets, on the other hand, are brimming with winter essentials like Pashmina shawls, woollen garments, and the rich aroma of traditional Kashmiri foods and the hot Kahwa.

The winter season in Jammu and Kashmir also brings with it the allure of snow sports, with places like Gulmarg becoming a hub for skiers and snowboarders.

In south Kashmir’s Shopian district, the “Heemal Nagrai” Winter Carnival was held on Saturday. This event showcased the district’s rich cultural heritage while promoting winter sports activities and physical fitness. It brought together local artisans and performers, offering a vibrant platform to display traditional music, dance, and martial arts, all while fostering a strong sense of community among residents and visitors.

Winter sports activities further encouraged outdoor engagement, making the carnival a true celebration of Kashmiri culture and seasonal vitality.

To promote physical fitness and outdoor engagement, the carnival featured various winter sports activities. From snowshoeing to sledding, participants of all ages had the opportunity to enjoy the winter landscape while embracing healthy competition.”Heemal Nagrai” winter carnival served as a bonding experience for families and friends, providing them an opportunity to reconnect during the winter season.

The event encouraged community participation, emphasising the importance of coming together to celebrate shared traditions.

By attracting visitors from nearby areas and tourists, the carnival significantly contributed to the local economy. Small businesses and vendors experienced a surge in sales, showcasing the potential of such events to foster economic growth in rural regions. (ANI)

Fresh Snowfall in Higher Reaches of Gulmarg & Sinthan top,Weatherman Predicted Dry Spell Till October 22

weather

The higher reaches of a famous ski-resort, Gulmarg on Thursday experienced fresh snowfall while the weatherman here has predicted dry spell till October 22.

With the day temperature continuing to settle above normal at almost all the stations across Kashmir, the weather conditions turned pleasant in the higher reaches of Gulmarg and Sinthan Top where the fresh snowfall was experienced today.

As per the forecast issued by the local Meteorological department, there is a possibility of dry weather conditions till October 22.

From 18th to 22nd October 2024, the weather would remain generally dry across the region as there is no forecast of any significant weather events during the period.

However, as per the MeT, the weather is expected to remain generally cloudy with the possibility of light rain in lower areas and light snow over isolated higher reaches, particularly in the evening and night on 23rd October.

From 24th to 25th October, the region will experience generally cloudy skies with a higher chance of light to moderate rain, as well as light snow in the higher altitude areas.

The weatherman predicted rainfall in fairly widespread areas, which would likely affect many areas of the region.

Meanwhile, the MeT has issued an advisory, advising the farmers to continue with their harvesting activities, ensure proper storage of harvested crops, and carry out other necessary farm operations.

“Tourists and trekkers are advised to plan their travels carefully, especially during 24th and 25th October, due to the possibility of adverse weather conditions, including rain and snow,” the advisory reads—(KNO)

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