MeT predicts dry weather from Nov 25-30
Fayaz Bukhari/ Govind Sharma
SRINAGAR/JAMMU, Nov 23: Higher altitudes across Jammu and Kashmir were blanketed in fresh snowfall today, while plains experienced light rainfall, as a weak western disturbance impacted the region. The Weather department has forecast light rainfall in isolated areas on November 24 and December 1, while generally dry conditions are expected in the intervening days.
Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp
Popular tourist destinations like Sonamarg in the Ganderbal district and Gulmarg witnessed light snow, with reports of snowfall also coming in from Zojila, Gurez, Tulail and Sadhna Top in Kupwara. The fresh snowfall, coupled with light rain in some parts of the Valley, brought a sharp dip in temperatures, leaving residents and visitors shivering in the chill.
Razdan Top in Bandipora district recorded 5 inches of snow, while Sadhna Top in Kupwara received 4 inches. Z Gali in Kupwara also reported 4 inches, with Sinthan Top in Kishtwar registering 5 inches. Peer Ki Gali in Shopian experienced 2 inches, Baltal Sonamarg in Ganderbal 3 inches, Zojila Pass 3 inches, and Sonamarg itself saw about an inch of fresh snow.
Click here to watch video
The plains of the Jammu region experienced light rainfall during the evening, with overcast skies prevailing throughout the day. Higher-altitude areas in districts like Doda, Kishtwar and Rajouri also received light snowfall. The Pir Panjal ranges in Rajouri district recorded 3-4 inches of snow, while Sinthan Top in Kishtwar district saw 4 inches. The Kailash hills in Bhaderwah witnessed light snowfall as well.
The Meteorological Department predicted cloudy weather on November 24, with isolated places in the region receiving light rain or snowfall. A slight rise in minimum temperatures is expected that day, followed by a 2-3°C drop in the subsequent days.
From November 25 to 30, dry conditions are anticipated, with the next significant weather change expected from late-night November 30 to the morning of December 1. During this period, light to moderate rain and snow is forecasted in scattered to fairly widespread areas, especially in the higher reaches. Dry weather is likely to return from December 2 to 5.
Due to cloud cover, minimum temperatures in most parts of Kashmir, including Srinagar, settled above freezing point. Srinagar, which had experienced its coldest night of the season on Friday at minus 1.2 degrees Celsius, recorded a low of 2.5 degrees today.
Qazigund recorded a low of 0.8 degrees, while Pahalgam registered 3.2 degrees. Gulmarg, a favorite skiing destination, reported a low of minus 0.5 degrees, and Kupwara’s minimum temperature was 2.1 degrees. In Kokernag, the night temperature settled at 2.4 degrees Celsius.
In the Jammu division, Jammu city recorded a minimum temperature of 12.4 degrees Celsius, with Katra registering 11.1 degrees, Batote 6.5 degrees, Banihal 5.2 degrees and Bhaderwah 3.2 degrees.
The fresh snowfall and rains have added to the Kashmir region’s winter charm, attracting tourists while reminding residents of the challenging season ahead. The administration continues to monitor the situation, ensuring the safety of locals and visitors amid the changing weather conditions.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
