Srinagar, Sep 17: Rain lashed Kashmir overnight, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures, while fresh snowfall was recorded in the higher reaches of north and central Kashmir on Thursday, including Gurez, Zojila and the upper reaches near Sonamarg.
In north Kashmir, fresh snow was reported from Kabul Gali in Gurez’sTulail Valley. The higher reaches of Zojila Pass and Zero Point near Sonamarg in Ganderbal district also received fresh snowfall.
Kabul Gali, located at around 4,167 metres, connects the Tulail Valley with the Mushkoh Valley toward the Drass sector.
Srinagar recorded 8.2 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending Thursday, while Qazigund received 13.4 mm, Pahalgam 13 mm and Gulmarg 13.2 mm, according to meteorological data.
The Jammu division recorded heavier rainfall during the same period. Udhampur received 117.8 mm, Jammu 112.9 mm and Katra 45.2 mm.
The Meteorological Centre, Srinagar, had forecast rain and thundershowers at many places from Sep 15 to 17, with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds likely at isolated places.
The seven-day outlook indicates an improvement from September 18, with generally dry weather expected until September 25. Isolated brief showers, however, cannot be ruled out.
No major disruption due to the snowfall was reported. Travellers heading toward Gurez, Zojila and other higher reaches have been advised to remain cautious as changing weather conditions could reduce visibility and make roads slippery.
The spell also brought a sharp fall in temperatures. Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 12.9.degrees Celsius on September 16, the lowest recorded in the city this month.
Maximum temperatures also fell sharply across Kashmir and Jammu.
Srinagar recorded 26.8 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam 21.6 degrees Celsius, Gulmarg 17.6 degrees Celsius, Qazigund 24.2 degrees Celsius, Kupwara 27.5 degrees Celsius and Kokernag 24 degrees Celsius.
In the Jammu division, Jammu recorded 31.4.degrees Celsius, Banihal 21.8 degrees Celsius, Batote 20.8 degrees Celsius, Katra 30 degrees Celsius and Bhaderwah 19.6 degrees Celsius.
The drop came after daytime temperatures in Kashmir had remained close to 30 degrees Celsius, with only slight variations, on several days earlier in September.
