Gulmarg records season’s coldest night at minus 2.5 degrees Celsius; fresh snowfall in higher reaches

An independent weather forecaster Kashmir Weather informed news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) fresh snowfall of approximately 1-2 inches was recorded in Sonamarg, Gurez Valley and Zojila Pass during the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday.

Gulmarg also witnessed a light spell of snowfall, although no significant accumulation was reported on the ground.

Light snowfall was additionally observed at Sinthan Top, Margan Top and Peer Ki Gali during the early morning hours on Sunday, indicating continued winter activity across the higher reaches of the Union Territory.

The snowfall comes days after a strong Western Disturbance affected Jammu and Kashmir on November 12 and 13, bringing widespread rainfall to the plains and moderate to heavy snowfall in several mountainous areas. Sadhna Top and Razdan Pass received over a foot of snow, while Sinthan Top recorded around 8-10 inches during the previous spell.

The fresh precipitation marks a further transition towards winter in the Valley, where temperatures generally begin declining during November. The region’s harshest 40-day winter period, known as Chillai Kalan, begins on December 21 and lasts until January 30.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has forecast generally dry weather across Jammu and Kashmir from November 15 to 21, with partly cloudy conditions likely towards November 20 and 21. (KNS)