J&K higher reaches receive snowfall, rains in plains

Srinagar, Feb 3: Fresh snowfall was reported in the higher reaches of the Kashmir Valley on Tuesday, while several areas in the plains received rainfall, even as temperatures showed a marginal improvement across Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.
According to reports, light snowfall occurred in the middle and upper reaches, including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Doodhpathri, Tangmarg, Pahalgam, Gurez, Sadhna Pass, Dubjan-Herpora, Peer Ki Gali and the Daksum–Sinthan top areas. Meanwhile, parts of the Kashmir plains witnessed rainfall during the afternoon.
According to the Meteorological Department, a weak western disturbance is currently affecting the region, leading to generally cloudy conditions with intermittent rain and snow at many places.
Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 2.8 degrees Celsius, while the ski resort of Gulmarg registered minus 5.3 degrees Celsius. Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 0.4 degrees Celsius.
In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded a minimum temperature of 9 degrees Celsius, Katra 8.1 degrees, Batote 4.1 degrees, Banihal 1.5 degrees and Bhaderwah 0.8 degrees Celsius.
The MeT department said partly cloudy weather is expected to prevail till the evening of February 6. Light snowfall may occur at isolated higher reaches on February 7, while generally dry weather is forecast for February 8. Light rain or snow at a few places is likely on February 9 and 10.
Advising caution, officials asked travellers and transporters to check road and highway conditions before undertaking journeys. People living in snow-bound higher reaches were also cautioned against venturing into avalanche-prone areas. (KNO)