Shadow Correspondent
Srinagar, Mar 15:
Many areas in Kashmir, including the plains, received fresh snowfall, while other parts of the Valley witnessed light to moderate rains on Saturday, officials said.
The plains in Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian and Pulwama districts received fresh snowfall, while snowfall was also recorded in Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam tourist resorts, they said.
Gurez in Bandipora district, some localities in Kupwara, and several areas in the higher reaches of the Valley also received snowfall that continued till last reports came in, officials added.
Most other parts of Kashmir are seeing light to moderate rains, they said.
The Meteorological department has forecast intermittent spells of light to moderate rains at most places on Saturday, and snow in the higher reaches.
There is a possibility of intermittent brief spells of light rain or snow at several places towards Sunday morning, the Met office said.
The weather is likely to improve in the afternoon, it said.
Widespread rain lashed several parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, causing a significant drop in temperatures, while higher reaches witnessed fresh snowfall, officials said.
The wet spell that began in Kashmir four days ago intensified on Friday night, bringing heavy rainfall to several parts of the region and snowfall in some areas of south Kashmir.
The Meteorological Department Srinagar has predicted widespread light to moderate rain or snow in the next 24 hours.
MeT said rainfall in the last 24 hours was recorded across various districts, with Qazigund in south Kashmir receiving the highest at 47.4 mm, followed by the tourist resort of Pahalgam 35.4 mm, Konibal 34 mm and Kokarnag 28.6 mm.
Srinagar city also recorded 18.7 mm of rainfall.
MeT said Pahalgam recorded 14 cm of fresh snowfall, while Gulmarg, the famous ski resort, recorded a snow depth of 13.7 cm.
Officials said that the schools in the forward areas of Kupwara district have been closed till March 17 owing to bad weather.
“In view of incessant rains/snowfall, District Administration Kupwara has decided to close all the schools in Machil, Keran, Budnambal, Kumkadi, Jumagund and upper areas of Karnah till 17-03-2025,” Deputy Commissioner Kupwara said.
The Jammu division was also affected by heavy rain. Banihal received 43.7 mm rainfall in the last 24 hours, which was the highest in the region.
Srinagar recorded a minimum of 2.0°C, while Gulmarg shivered at -1.8°C.
