Srinagar | October, 13: Winter chill gripped Kashmir as upper reaches, including Gulmarg, Razdan Pass, and Wussan received fresh snowfall, while rains lashed plains.
Gurez Valley, Razdan Pass in Bandipora district, higher reaches of Wussan in Ganderbal district near Harmukh Peak, Affarwat peak in Gulmarg, Zojila Pass, Sadhna Top, and Sinthan Top witnessed fresh snowfall, and downpour continued while reports were filed. Rains and gusty winds swept across plains, bringing a sharp chill and leading to temperatures plummeting across the region.
Meanwhile, the weather department has forecast generally cloudy conditions with light to moderate rain at many places across Jammu and Kashmir, accompanied by light snowfall over higher reaches. Thunderstorms, gusty winds, and hailstorms at isolated places are also likely during the period, officials said. Farmers have been advised to ensure the safe storage of harvested apples, paddy, and other crops in view of the forecast, while travellers and transporters should plan journeys carefully and follow traffic advisories. The weather is expected to remain generally dry on October 16 with brief spells of rain at isolated spots, followed by mainly dry conditions from October 17 to 24.
Providing temperature details, the IMD data showed that Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 20 degrees Celsius, 2.8 degrees below normal, while the minimum settled at 11.2 degrees Celsius, 4.9 degrees above normal. Kupwara recorded 6.1 mm of rainfall, Pahalgam received 2.4 mm, and Gulmarg recorded a maximum temperature of 11.8 degrees Celsius with 2.2 cm of snow depth. Pahalgam recorded a maximum temperature of 14.2 degrees Celsius and 1.2 cm of snow depth, while Qazigund and Kukernag registered 22.2 degrees Celsius and 20.4 degrees Celsius respectively. In the Jammu division, Jammu recorded a maximum temperature of 30.5 degrees Celsius, while Banihal, Batote, Katra, and Bhaderwah registered maximums of 19.5, 21.1, 26.6, and 21 degrees Celsius respectively.
