Jammu: The higher reaches of Kashmir received the season’s first snowfall on Saturday as rain lashed several parts of Jammu and Kashmir, bringing a noticeable nip in the air and signalling the gradual transition towards autumn.
Light snowfall was reported from the extreme higher reaches, including areas around Zojila Pass, Gumri, Gulmarg and the Pir Panjal range. Fresh snow was also witnessed over higher reaches of Srinagar, with Mahadev Peak covered in a fresh layer of snow. Reports of snowfall also came from Kaobal Gali and Tulail Valley.
The snowfall remained largely confined to elevations around 3,900 metres and above, according to an independent weather observer, who said the occurrence was in line with the forecast for the extreme higher reaches.
Rainfall was accompanied by hailstorms and gusty winds at some places, including parts of Srinagar. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Srinagar received 0.4 mm of rainfall between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm, while Pahalgam recorded 2.6 mm, Qazigund 1 mm, Kukernag 1.2 mm and Gulmarg 7.2 mm.
Katra did not receive rain during the day but recorded 42.6 mm of rainfall in the preceding 24 hours.
Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 26.6°C, which was 1.2 degrees below normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 17.2°C, around two degrees above normal.
Pahalgam recorded a maximum of 23.4°C and a minimum of 13.4°C, while Gulmarg recorded 19°C and 7.6°C, respectively.
In Jammu, the maximum temperature settled at 32.7°C, which was normal for this time of the year, while the minimum temperature was recorded at 23.4°C, 0.4 degrees below normal.
The weather system has largely cleared the J&K region, though isolated spells of rain or thundershowers may occur at a few places on Sunday, particularly during the morning and afternoon.
According to the forecast, mostly dry weather is expected across Jammu and Kashmir thereafter till September 12.
The fresh snowfall over the extreme higher reaches at this time of the year is considered a seasonal indicator, often coinciding with the gradual transition towards autumn and the withdrawal of the monsoon season.
