Mubashir Aalam Wani
Srinagar, Jan 26: The prolonged dry spell has ended in Kashmir as several places including the famous ski-resort, Gulmarg, experienced fresh snowfall while the weatherman here has predicted more snowfall by the end of this month.
According to reports, Gulmarg, Kishtwar parts, Sonamarg, Pir Ki Gali, Shopian, Doodhpathri, Gurez and other places received a fresh light snowfall since last evening, putting an end to the prolonged dry spell.
However, the plains including Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, witnessed occasional sunshine throughout the day.
As per the local Meteorological department, there is a forecast of light snowfall at isolated higher reaches towards late evening tomorrow.
On Jan 28-29, amidst cloudy weather, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain, snow over many places, Director Meteorological (MeT) department, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said, adding that on Jan 30-31, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain, snow at widespread places.
On February 01 and 02, there is a possibility of light rain, snow at many places, he said.
Meanwhile, the weatherman has issued an advisory in wake of the weather system from January 28-31, saying that it may lead to temporary closure of roads of higher reaches and important passes like Sinthan pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna and Razdan pass, Zojila etc.
“Travellers are advised to plan accordingly,” he said.
Meanwhile, the fresh snowfall at multiple places has brought smiles on the faces of tourism players, who are now expecting a further footfall of tourists in the Valley.
Moreover, the minimum temperature has improved at multiple places with Srinagar recording a low of minus 0.5 degree Celsius.
Pahalgam, a famous tourist destination, recorded the minimum temperature of minus 0.4 degree Celsius while Gulmarg, a famous ski-resort, recorded a low of minus 3.7 degree Celsius.
Qazigund, the gateway of Kashmir has recorded a minimum temperature of 0.2 degree Celsius while in Kokernag, the mercury settled at minus 0.1 degree Celsius. In Kupwara, the mercury settled at 2.5 degree Celsius.