Srinagar, Nov 14: Weather conditions across Jammu and Kashmir are set to gradually improve from Saturday, with the Meteorological Department forecasting a prolonged dry spell from November 15 after two days of widespread rain in the plains and fresh snowfall in the higher reaches, officials said.
The latest spell of precipitation, triggered by a Western Disturbance, dumped moderate to heavy snow across several mountainous areas, while rain in the plains pushed temperatures down and intensified the cold across the Union Territory.
The Meteorological Centre Srinagar said November 14 is likely to remain generally dry, though brief spells of light rain at isolated places and light snowfall over higher reaches cannot be ruled out.
The department has forecast generally dry weather from November 15 to 21, with partly cloudy conditions likely around November 20 and 21. The weather is expected to stay dry between November 22 and 24, offering relief from the wet spell.
The precipitation was particularly heavy in north and central Kashmir. Sadhna Top in Kupwara and Razdan Pass in Bandipora recorded more than a foot of fresh snow, while Sinthan Top received around 8–10 inches. Z-Gali and Margan Top recorded 6–8 inches each, and Zojila Pass around 5–6 inches. Pir Ki Gali on the Mughal Road received about 5–8 inches, affecting vehicular movement.
Baltal recorded 4–6 inches of snow, Gurez Valley 3–5 inches, and Sonamarg 2–3 inches, adding to the winter landscape at the tourist destination. Fresh snowfall was also reported from the higher reaches of Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Doodhpathri in south Kashmir.
In the plains, Baramulla recorded the highest rainfall at 49.5 mm, followed by Gulmarg at 40.6 mm and Kupwara at 37.3 mm. Pahalgam received 22.4 mm and Srinagar 16.3 mm, officials said. Qazigund recorded 5.8 mm, while parts of the Jammu region, including Batote, Bhaderwah and Banihal, also received rain.
The wet spell pulled down daytime temperatures. Srinagar recorded a maximum of 15.2 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg registered a minimum of minus 0.5 degrees Celsius — the season’s lowest so far. Pahalgam recorded a minimum of 4 degrees Celsius.
The Mughal Road, linking south Kashmir’s Shopian district with Poonch and Rajouri, remained closed to traffic on Saturday after snow accumulated at Pir Ki Gali. Snow clearance operations are underway and traffic will be restored only after authorities declare the route safe.
The Kishtwar-Anantnag road via Sinthan Top also remained closed due to snow, while movement on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway was affected by snowfall at Zojila Pass. The Bandipora-Gurez road was restored for traffic late Friday night.
The MeT had earlier warned that the Western Disturbance could bring widespread precipitation, isolated heavy snowfall, thunderstorms, hailstorms and gusty winds, and cautioned that snow over higher reaches could disrupt traffic on mountain passes and vulnerable roads.
With weather expected to improve, the department has advised farmers to resume agricultural operations from November 15.
The recent snowfall is expected to boost winter tourism at destinations such as Gulmarg and Sonamarg, though connectivity to several high-altitude areas remains dependent on weather and snow clearance operations.
Authorities have advised travellers, transporters and tourists to check the latest road status and follow official traffic advisories before undertaking journeys through mountainous routes. (KNS)
