Srinagar, Nov 13: Fresh snowfall continued in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, intensifying cold conditions and affecting road connectivity across several mountainous areas. Sonamarg in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district also witnessed the season’s first snowfall.
Sadhna Top and Razdan Pass recorded more than a foot of fresh snow during the past 24 hours, while Sinthan Top received 8-10 inches. Z-Gali and Margan Top accumulated 6-8 inches each, followed by 5-6 inches at Zojila Pass.
Peer Ki Gali recorded 5-8 inches of snowfall, while Baltal received 4-6 inches. Gurez Valley witnessed 3-5 inches, Sonamarg 2-3 inches, and Gulmarg around one centimetre of fresh snow.
Snowfall was also reported from higher reaches of Doda and Rajouri districts in the Jammu region, further strengthening cold conditions across the Union Territory.
Meanwhile, the Mughal Road, which connects Shopian in south Kashmir with Poonch and Rajouri districts, remained closed for the second consecutive day due to heavy snowfall at Pir Ki Gali. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has started snow-clearance work, but persistent snowfall could delay the restoration of traffic. Officials said the road might be reopened on Friday if weather conditions improve.
Snow-clearance operations are also underway on the Chowkibal-Tangdhar road in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
According to the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, generally cloudy conditions, accompanied by light to moderate rainfall in the plains and snowfall in higher reaches, are expected at most places on Friday. Moderate to heavy precipitation is also likely over higher elevations.
For November 14 and 15, the weather department has forecast brief spells of light rain and snowfall at isolated places. Generally dry weather is expected from November 16 to 20.
The MeT department has also forecast a fall of 6-8 degrees Celsius in daytime temperatures during November 12 and 13, with thunderstorms, hailstorms and gusty winds likely at a few places.
Farmers have been advised to store harvested crops safely, while travellers, transporters and tourists have been urged to plan their journeys carefully. The department cautioned that moderate to heavy snowfall could disrupt traffic on key mountain passes and hilly roads and advised people to follow official traffic advisories.