Shadow Correspondent
Jammu, jan 01:
Light to moderate snowfall was recorded in several higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir over the past 24 hours, while parts of the Jammu division witnessed light rain, officials said on Thursday, adding that no major weather system is expected till January 20.
Meteorological officials said western disturbances are largely confined to north and central Kashmir, with only a slight possibility of weak disturbance activity even today. They said a feeble western disturbance may affect the region between January 6 and January 9–10, but it is unlikely to cause widespread rain or snowfall.
According to official data, Sadhna Pass in Kupwara district received about 6 inches of fresh snow, while Gurez and Tulail areas in Bandipora recorded 8 to 12 inches. The Sonamarg–Zojila axis in Ganderbal saw 5 to 8 inches of snowfall, while Gulmarg and the higher reaches of Pahalgam recorded around 2 inches each.
Mughal Road and Sinthan Top received 2 to 4 inches of snowfall, while light rain was reported from several locations in the Jammu division.
Light Rain in Jammu
Officials said there is currently no active or upcoming western disturbance capable of triggering significant precipitation, and the overall outlook points towards predominantly dry weather across the Union Territory.
Meanwhile, minimum night temperatures remained above normal at many places. The Meteorological Department said night temperatures were 1 to 5 degrees Celsius above normal in the Kashmir division and 2 to 4 degrees above normal at several places in the Jammu division.
Despite the relatively warmer nights, Gulmarg recorded the lowest minimum temperature in Kashmir at minus 5.5 degrees Celsius, while Bhaderwah was the coldest in the Jammu division at 1.0 degree Celsius, officials added.
Meanwhile, Following fresh snowfall on Thursday, authorities have temporarily closed the Mughal Road as a precautionary measure, officials said.
The road, which connects Shopian district of south Kashmir with Rajouri and Poonch districts of the Jammu region, was closed after snowfall at Peer Ki Gali. Officials said that traffic movement on Mughal Road has been completely suspended due to fresh snowfall, which has made the stretch slippery and unsafe for vehicular movement. The closure has been enforced to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of travellers.
People have been advised to avoid travelling on Mughal Road until the road is cleared of snow and declared passable by the authorities. Snow clearance operations will be taken up once weather conditions improve, officials said. The Mughal Road often witnesses temporary closures during winter due to snowfall at higher reaches, particularly around Peer Ki Gali, which remains vulnerable to heavy snow accumulation and poor visibility.
Authorities said updates regarding the reopening of the road will be shared once conditions improve and traffic movement is restored.
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