Gulmarg records -2.5°C as fresh snowfall hits Kashmir higher reaches
Temperatures dropped across the valley as snow accumulation led to road closures and traffic suspensions on several highways.
Gulmarg became the coldest location in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday morning, recording a minimum temperature of -2.5°C, according to a report by Daily Excelsior. The temperature in the area was 1.9 degrees below the normal level, while the maximum temperature reached 5.0°C, which was 4.2 degrees below normal.
Fresh snowfall has blanketed several higher reaches, including Sonamarg, Zojila, and Peer Ki Gali. Officials reported that Sonamarg received its first snowfall of the season, while Sadhna Top and Razdan Pass saw over a foot of snow in the last 24 hours. Sinthan Top recorded 8-10 inches of fresh snow, and Zojila Pass recorded 5-6 inches.
The weather conditions have disrupted transport, forcing authorities to suspend traffic on the Srinagar-Leh Highway and the Mughal Road. A landslide caused by rain also blocked the Uri-Baramulla National Highway at Rajanwani, leaving commuters stranded. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has begun clearing snow on the Mughal Road to restore movement.
In the Jammu division, Jammu city recorded a maximum of 29.2°C and a minimum of 14.6°C. Srinagar city saw a maximum of 16.2°C and a minimum of 3.3°C. Other areas including Pahalgam, Qazigund, Kupwara, and Kukernag also recorded varying temperatures.
The Meteorological Department has predicted mainly dry conditions across the region from November 16 to 20. Cloudy weather is expected towards November 20-21, with dry weather likely to continue from November 22 to 25.