SRINAGAR, Dec 31: Fresh snowfall was reported across parts of Kashmir’s higher reaches on Wednesday, with Sonamarg recording around 8 to 9 inches of snow, as the Meteorological Department forecast light to moderate rain and snowfall across most areas over the next 24 hours.
Officials said moderate snowfall continued in Sonamarg through the day, while several other higher-altitude areas also received fresh snow, marking a change in weather during the ongoing ‘Chilla-e-Kalan’ period.
“Light to moderate precipitation is likely at most places, with moderate to heavy snowfall expected in higher reaches, including Gulmarg, Sonamarg and parts of north Kashmir,” a Meteorological Department official said.
Due to persistent cloud cover, night temperatures remained above seasonal averages across the Valley. Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 2.3 degrees Celsius on Tuesday night, nearly five degrees above normal, officials said.
Gulmarg remained the coldest location in the region with a minimum temperature of minus 3.0 degrees Celsius, while south Kashmir’s Pahalgam recorded minus 1.8 degrees Celsius, about seven degrees above normal. Qazigund, the gateway town to the Valley, recorded a low of 1.4 degrees Celsius.
Kashmir is currently observing ‘Chilla-e-Kalan,’ the harshest 40-day winter phase when night temperatures typically drop well below freezing. Officials said current temperature readings indicate a departure from normal winter patterns.
Snowfall, largely absent during recent New Year periods, is expected to boost winter tourism, particularly in popular destinations such as Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam.
