SRINAGAR : The world famous ski resort of Gulmarg and other upper reaches in the Kashmir valley today experienced first major snowfall while plains had rains, resulting in chilly conditions during the day though the night temperature has improved further. Srinagar, the summer capital, Srinagar, received just 3.3 mm rainfall till 0800 hrs though Sun was playing hide and seek. However, hills surrounding Srinagar, had turned white due to snowfall, clearly visible from Dal Lake and Hazratbal. Gulmarg received the first major snowfall of the winter, much to the delight of those connected with tourist trade, as guests had remained away so far.
It was still snowing and the world famous ski slopes were under about two feet of snow, a hotel owner told UNI over phone from Gulmarg.
Moderate to heavy snowfall was received at upper reaches, including Kongdori, Khilanmarg and Affarwat, the highest skiing point connected by Cable Car. A Met department spokesman said the minimum temperature dropped to minus 4 degrees, one degree colder than yesterday. However, it was four notches above normal. Due to slippery road conditions following snowfall, the authorities have decided to allow any vehicle from Tangmarg to Gulmarg with safety chains tied with wheels to avoid any accident. About six inches to one feet of snowfall was also received at Keran, Karnah, Machil, Sadhna top, Neeru, Razdan top and other heights in north Kashmir. A number of roads to far flung and remote areas were closed for traffic due to snowfall and slippery road conditions. However, the plains in the north Kashmir received rains, ending the four-month-long dry spell.
Sun was playing hide and seek in the summer capital, Srinagar, where 3.3 mm rainfall was received last evening. Met spokesman said the minimum temperature in the summer capital was 1.8 degrees, slightly benow normal. The famed health resort of Pahalgam also received snowfall, a report reaching here said. Holy Amarnath cave shrine and its periphery also received moderate to heavy snowfall. Reports of snowfall were also received from Sheshnag, Mahaguns, Panjterni, Pisso top and Chandanwari on traditional yatra route. Against yesterday’s minus 1.4 degrees, the minimum temperature at Pahalgam was 0.0 degree, nine notches above normal. Shopian and Kulgam also received fresh snowfall, official sources said, adding that moderate to heavy snowfall was also experienced at several places on Mughal road. Yusmarg and other upper heights in the central Kashmir district of Badgam also received snowfall while plains received rains.
Qazigund, gateway of Kashmir on Srinagar-Jammu national highway, which was closed since this morning, also received light snowfall. About one foot of snowfall was experienced on both sides of the Jawahar tunnel. Qazigund recorded 0.2 degrees minimum temperature against minus 0.2 degree yesterday.
Kangan and other heights in Ganderbal district, including Sonmarg, Gund and Gagangeet also received moderate to heavy snowfall.
There was also considerable improvement in the minimum temperature at Leh and Kargil, where traces of rain were recorded, Met spokesman said.
He said against minus 12.4 degrees, the minimum temperature at Leh was minus 6.2 degrees whereas at Kargil it was minus 5 degrees against minus 12.8 degrees recorded yesterday.
(AGENCIES)
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