Fresh Snowfall in Gulmarg and Other High-Altitude Areas of Kashmir, Rain Showers Continue in Lowlands

SRINAGAR, MARCH 11 – The Kashmir Valley has witnessed a fresh spell of snowfall in high-altitude areas, including the world-famous Gulmarg ski resort, over the past 24 hours, while intermittent rain showers continue to lash the plains. The Meteorological Center in Srinagar has predicted that rainy conditions will persist across Jammu and Kashmir until the weekend.

Weather Conditions Across Kashmir Valley

Persistent rainfall and snowfall have resulted in a sharp drop in temperatures, affecting daily life and routine activities across the region. Light snowfall was recorded in the high-altitude areas of Kashmir, including Gulmarg, over the past 24 hours. Similar weather conditions were also reported in several areas of the Union Territory of Ladakh, including Leh, Kargil, Drass, Padum, Stakna, Tangtse, Khalste, and Chuchot.

According to the Meteorological Department, significant rainfall was recorded in multiple areas across Kashmir in the past 24 hours. The highest rainfall was registered in Kupwara at 12.0 mm, followed by Pahalgam at 11.8 mm, Kokernag at 10.4 mm, Gulmarg at 10.2 mm, Srinagar at 7.8 mm, and Qazigund at 6.8 mm.

The weather department has issued an advisory stating that cloudy conditions are expected to prevail throughout the day. Some areas may experience light to moderate snowfall or rain intermittently. Between March 12 and March 14, a fresh spell of light to moderate snowfall and rain is anticipated in several regions. The forecast further suggests that March 15 and March 16 could see another round of widespread light to moderate snowfall and rain. However, from March 17 to March 21, the weather is likely to remain dry.

Impact on Travel and Agriculture

Due to the ongoing rain and snowfall, the authorities have issued advisories for travelers, tourists, and transporters. Travelers have been urged to check official advisories and follow administrative and traffic guidelines before planning any journey across the region.

The Meteorological Department has advised farmers to suspend all agricultural activities from March 10 to March 18, owing to the unfavorable weather conditions. Furthermore, residents in high-altitude regions have been cautioned to avoid steep slopes and avalanche-prone areas during this period.

Temperature Fluctuations Across Kashmir

The minimum temperature across multiple weather monitoring stations in Kashmir has witnessed a drop, yet it remains 2 to 5 degrees Celsius above the seasonal average.

The minimum temperature recorded in Srinagar was 5.6 degrees Celsius, which is 2.3 degrees Celsius above the normal range for this time of the year. In Gulmarg, the renowned ski resort of north Kashmir, the minimum temperature was 0.5 degrees Celsius, which is 4.5 degrees Celsius above the seasonal norm. Other key temperature readings include Pahalgam at 2.6 degrees Celsius and Kokernag at 4.2 degrees Celsius.

Weather Forecast for the Coming Days

The latest forecast by the Meteorological Department suggests that intermittent rainfall and snowfall will persist in Kashmir, particularly in higher altitudes. The advisory further emphasizes that between March 12 and March 16, the possibility of light to moderate precipitation remains high across several areas.

From March 17 onwards, dry conditions are expected to set in across the region, providing relief to the local populace. Authorities have urged travelers and residents to stay updated on the latest advisories to ensure safety.

Gulmarg: The Winter Wonderland Amidst Snowfall

Gulmarg, which is globally renowned for its skiing slopes and breathtaking landscapes, has once again transformed into a winter wonderland following the fresh spell of snowfall. This has delighted tourists and skiing enthusiasts who had been anticipating another round of snow-covered slopes before the winter season comes to an end.

The fresh snow cover in Gulmarg has also increased tourist footfall, with visitors from various parts of India and abroad flocking to the region to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and gondola rides.

Local hoteliers and tourism operators are optimistic that the snowfall will help extend the winter tourism season, boosting Kashmir’s tourism industry further.

Precautions for Tourists and Locals

Given the ongoing weather disturbances, the administration has issued multiple safety guidelines for tourists and locals:

• Travelers and tourists should check official weather updates before embarking on journeys to high-altitude areas.
• Transporters must adhere to road advisories, especially on highways prone to landslides and snowfall blockages.
• Skiers and adventurers should take necessary precautions while indulging in winter sports, ensuring they follow safety protocols.
• Residents in avalanche-prone regions are advised to avoid risky areas, particularly during the peak snowfall period.