Fresh snowfall blankets higher reaches of Kashmir as rain hits plains
Heavy snow in mountain passes and rain in the valley have disrupted traffic and lowered daytime temperatures across the region.
Fresh snowfall has blanketed the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir, including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Zojila, and Peer Ki Gali, according to reports by Outlook and Kashmir Observer. While the mountains received snow, rain lashed the plains, causing daytime temperatures to drop by several degrees.
The snowfall has impacted road connectivity. Authorities suspended traffic on the Srinagar-Leh Highway due to snow on the Zojila Pass, and the Mughal Road remained closed for a second day following heavy snow at Pir Ki Gali. In north Kashmir, a landslide at Rajanwani on the Uri-Baramulla National Highway disrupted 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, Zojila Pass had 5-6 inches, and Peer Ki Gali received 5-8 inches.
Sonamarg recorded 2-3 inches, while Gulmarg received approximately one centimetre.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has started snow-clearance operations on the Mughal Road, and work has also begun on the Chowkibal-Tangdhar road in Kupwara. Officials stated the Mughal Road could reopen on Friday depending on weather conditions.
The Meteorological Department has predicted brief spells of light rain or snow at a few locations on November 14 and 15. The weather is expected to remain generally dry across the region from November 16 to 20.