Fresh snowfall blankets higher reaches of Kashmir as rain hits plains
Heavy snow and rain have caused a drop in temperatures and disrupted road connectivity across the Union Territory.
Fresh snowfall has blanketed the higher reaches of Kashmir, including Gulmarg and Sonamarg, while rain lashed the plains, according to reports by Outlook and Kashmir Observer. The weather, influenced by a western disturbance, has caused daytime temperatures to drop by several degrees across the Valley.
Snowfall has disrupted several transport routes. Traffic was suspended on the Srinagar-Leh national highway due to snow at Zojila Pass, and the Mughal Road remained closed for a second day following heavy snow at Peer Ki Gali. In north Kashmir, a landslide at Rajanwani on the Uri-Baramulla National Highway halted vehicular movement, leaving commuters stranded.
Specific areas recorded varying levels of accumulation. Sadhna Top and Razdan Pass received over a foot of snow, while Sinthan Top recorded 8-10 inches. Z-Gali and Margan Top saw 6-8 inches, and Zojila Pass recorded 5-6 inches.
Sonamarg received its first snowfall of the season, with 2-3 inches recorded.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has started snow-clearance operations on the Mughal Road, and authorities have also initiated work on the Chowkibal-Tangdhar road in Kupwara. Officials noted that ongoing snowfall may hinder these restoration efforts.
The Meteorological Department has predicted light to moderate rain in the plains and snow in higher altitudes until Friday afternoon. Brief spells of light rain or snow are expected on November 14 and 15, before the weather turns generally dry from November 16 to 20.