JAMMU, November 14: Weather conditions across Jammu and Kashmir are expected to gradually improve from Saturday, with the Meteorological Department forecasting a prolonged dry spell from November 15 after two days of widespread rainfall in the plains and fresh snowfall in higher reaches.
The recent spell of precipitation, triggered by a Western Disturbance, brought moderate to heavy snowfall to several mountainous areas, while rainfall in the plains led to a drop in temperatures and intensified cold conditions across the Union Territory.
According to the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, November 14 is likely to remain generally dry, although brief spells of light rain at isolated places and light snowfall over higher reaches cannot be ruled out.
The department has forecast generally dry weather from November 15 to 21, with partly cloudy conditions likely around November 20 and 21. Dry weather is also expected to continue between November 22 and 24.
Heavy snowfall was recorded in several areas of north and central Kashmir. Sadhna Top in Kupwara and Razdan Pass in Bandipora received more than one foot of fresh snow, while Sinthan Top recorded around 8 to 10 inches.
Z-Gali and Margan Top received 6 to 8 inches of snowfall each, while Zojila Pass recorded around 5 to 6 inches. Pir Ki Gali on the Mughal Road also received 5 to 8 inches of fresh snow, affecting vehicular movement.
Baltal recorded 4 to 6 inches of snowfall, Gurez Valley received 3 to 5 inches, while Sonamarg recorded 2 to 3 inches. Fresh snowfall was also reported from the higher reaches of Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Doodhpathri.
In the plains, Baramulla recorded the highest rainfall at 49.5 mm, followed by Gulmarg at 40.6 mm and Kupwara at 37.3 mm. Pahalgam received 22.4 mm of rainfall, while Srinagar recorded 16.3 mm. Qazigund received 5.8 mm, with rainfall also reported from parts of the Jammu region, including Batote, Bhaderwah and Banihal.
The wet spell also brought down daytime temperatures. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 15.2 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg registered a minimum of minus 0.5 degrees Celsius, the lowest of the season so far. Pahalgam recorded a minimum temperature of 4 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, the Mughal Road, connecting south Kashmir’s Shopian district with Poonch and Rajouri, remained closed to traffic on Saturday due to snow accumulation at Pir Ki Gali. Snow clearance operations are underway, and the route will be reopened only after authorities declare it safe for traffic.
The Kishtwar-Anantnag road via Sinthan Top also remained closed due to snowfall, while movement on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway was affected by fresh snow at Zojila Pass. The Bandipora-Gurez road was restored for traffic late Friday night.
With weather conditions expected to improve, the Meteorological Department has advised farmers to resume agricultural activities from November 15.
The fresh snowfall is also expected to boost winter tourism at popular destinations such as Gulmarg and Sonamarg. However, connectivity to several high-altitude areas will continue to depend on weather conditions and snow clearance operations.
Authorities have advised tourists, travellers and transporters to check the latest road status and follow official traffic advisories before travelling through mountainous routes.
