SNOW
© SP Vaid
Fresh snowfall in parts of the Valley including the tourist resorts in north and central Kashmir brought down the temperature by several notches.

The meteorological (MeT department in Srinagar said there will be fairly widespread rain in Kashmir parts for the next two days, "The weather system suggests that the skies will clear up on the eve of Ramzan," a senior MeT official said.

According to reports, the border town of Gurez in north Kashmir and some other upper reaches, including tourist resort of Sonmarg, received fresh snowfall while rain lashed other parts of Kashmir valley, resulting in considerable dip in maximum temperature.



A Met department spokesperson said fairly widespread rain and thundershowers would occur in Kashmir valley during the next 48 hours under the influence of a Western Disturbance (WD), which is active in the region.

Much to the surprise to the people, Gurez, which is surrounded by Pakistan administered Kashmir from three sides, received light to moderate snow since Wednesday afternoon, resulting in dip in the maximum temperature, which settled several degrees below normal.

"It was raining in the morning, but as the day progressed, it started to snow here. The weather is very chilly and people are again using 'Bukhari' (heaters fueled by wood) to keep themselves warm," Mohammad Younis, a resident from Gurez, said over the phone.

The road to the border town was reopened last month after remaining closed for about four months due to accumulation of several feet of snow. Much to the delight of tourists, fresh snowfall was also recorded in Sonamarg on Srinagar-Leh national highway, resulting in considerable dip in the temperature.

Reports of snowfall were received from some other upper reaches in north Kashmir including the tourist resort of Gulmarg. Officials said the cold wave accompanying the snow has spread across Kashmir, bringing down the temperature by several notches.

Incessant rains lashed other parts of Kashmir valley, including summer capital, Srinagar. Meanwhile, hailstorm in south Kashmir, including Kulgam, has damaged several apple orchards. Many mainstream parties have urged the state administration to compensate the farmers.