Snowfall Blankets Higher Reaches, Gulmarg Skiing Resort Preps Amidst Precipitation in Kashmir

Gulmarg Snowfall

On Monday, snowfall draped the higher reaches of Kashmir, encompassing the famed Gulmarg skiing resort, while rains lashed the plains, heralding a prolonged spell of precipitation in the valley, officials confirmed.

Gulmarg, nestled in Baramulla district and poised to host the fourth Khelo India Winter Games from Wednesday, welcomed approximately 1.5 feet of fresh snowfall within the last 24 hours, authorities reported.

Snowfall wasn’t confined to Gulmarg alone; reports of snowfall also emerged from Kupwara, Handwara, and Sonamarg areas, adding to the wintry charm of the valley.

>> Inclement Weather Forces Closure of Srinagar-Jammu National Highway

Meanwhile, the rest of the valley, including the capital city of Srinagar, experienced moderate to heavy rains since Sunday, with Srinagar recording 12.4 mm of rainfall within the last 24 hours. Other areas such as Qazigund (12.8 mm), Pahalgam (18.6 mm), Kupwara (42.7 mm), and Kokernag (8.0 mm) also witnessed substantial rainfall during the same period.

In the Jammu region, rains also made their presence felt, leading to the closure of the vital Srinagar-Jammu national highway. Mudslides at two locations in Ramban district prompted the highway’s shutdown, underlining the challenges posed by inclement weather conditions.

As precipitation continues to grace the Kashmir valley, residents brace themselves for further snowfall in the higher reaches and rains in the plains, urging caution and preparedness amidst the wintry weather onslaught.

Inclement Weather Forces Closure of Srinagar-Jammu National Highway

Srinagar-Jammu National Highway

Amidst challenging weather conditions in Jammu and Kashmir, the authorities have taken the decision to close the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway for vehicular movement on Monday. This decision comes in response to the adverse effects of heavy rainfall in the region.

Traffic officials have reported incidents of mudslide at Mehad-Cafteria in Ramban and landslide at Tabela Chamalwass in Banihal, prompting the closure of the highway. These natural occurrences have been attributed to the relentless rains experienced in the Ramban district over the past 24 hours.

In light of the hazardous conditions, authorities are urging individuals to refrain from traveling on the highway until the weather conditions improve and clearance operations are completed. They have emphasized the importance of seeking updates from Traffic Control Units (TCU) before commencing any journeys.

Furthermore, it’s not just the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway that’s affected; other major highways in Jammu and Kashmir, such as Bhaderwah-Chamba, Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag, Mughal Road, and Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri (SSG) Road, are also closed for vehicular movement due to significant snow accumulation.

The closure of these vital transportation arteries underscores the severity of the weather conditions and the need for caution among residents and travelers in the region. Authorities remain vigilant and are working diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone affected by the inclement weather.

Winter Vacation in Kashmir Schools from 25th November, 2023

Winter Vacations in Kashmir Schools

As the cold breeze sweeps through the picturesque landscapes of the Kashmir Valley, a delightful announcement warms the hearts of students and families alike. The winter vacation schedule for students in Kashmir brings not just a break from school routines but also the promise of enchanting moments in the winter wonderland. This year, the vacation schedule has been thoughtfully arranged, ensuring each grade gets its share of the winter magic.

Nov 25: Winter Wonderland for the Little Ones (Up to Class 5th):

The winter vacation in Kashmir Valley kicks off on November 25 for the youngest students, those up to Class 5th. As snowflakes begin to dance in the crisp winter air, these little ones are in for a treat. From building snowmen to engaging in friendly snowball fights, their winter vacation promises to be filled with laughter and joy.

Dec 2: Middle Schoolers Set to Enjoy the Chill (Class 6th to 8th):

As December arrives, it marks the turn for students from Class 6th to 8th to embark on their winter vacation. The landscape transforms into a white paradise, and the activities for these middle schoolers are bound to be a blend of adventure and education. Whether it’s exploring historical sites under a blanket of snow or learning the art of traditional Kashmiri crafts indoors, this vacation offers a perfect mix of fun and enrichment.

Dec 9: High Schoolers Dive into Winter Bliss (Class 9th to 12th):

For high school students in Classes 9th to 12th, the winter vacation begins on December 9. This segment of the vacation aligns with the increasing challenges of higher grades, providing a well-deserved break before the demanding exam season. The Kashmir Valley offers a unique charm during winter, with snow-covered landscapes creating a serene backdrop for self-reflection and rejuvenation.

Activities for Winter Vacation in Kashmir:

  1. Winter Sports Extravaganza: Embrace the thrill of winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and ice-skating. The valley’s topography is a natural playground for these activities, making it an exciting venture for students of all ages.
  2. Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir. Visit local markets, witness traditional crafts, and savor the delectable Kashmiri cuisine. This hands-on experience will not only be entertaining but also educational.
  3. Nature Walks and Hikes: The snow-laden trails and pristine landscapes provide an excellent opportunity for nature walks and hikes. This not only promotes physical activity but also allows students to connect with nature in its winter glory.
  4. Creative Workshops: Engage in creative workshops that focus on art, music, and literature. The cozy indoors provide a conducive environment for unleashing artistic talents and fostering a love for creativity.

Srinagar Airport Authorities suspend flight operations over Bad weather

Srinagar Airport Authorities suspend flight operations over Bad weather 1

Srinagar: Amid fresh snowfall in the Kashmir Valley, the authorities have suspended flight operations at Srinagar International Airport due to low visibility.

Talking to the news agency—(KNO), Director Srinagar Airport, Kuldeep Singh said all the flights scheduled so far have been delayed in view of fresh snowfall and low visibility.

He said the decision to resume flight operations will be taken after improvement in visibility and weather conditions. Notably, weatherman has predicted more snow and rains across the Kashmir Valley today.

Heavy Snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir from January 11, Predicts IMD

SNOWFALL-IN-Kashmir

SRINAGAR: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy snowfall in Kashmir from January 11.

The senior scientist at IMD, RK Jenamani, forecast heavy snowfall in Kashmir.

“Heavy snowfall is expected in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh on January 11 and 12,” he said.

Srinagar had 1.8, Pahalgam minus 3.2 and Gulmarg minus 4.4 degrees Celsius as the minimum temperature.

In Ladakh region, Kargil had minus 9.4 and Leh minus 7.6 as the minimum temperature.

Jammu had 6.6, Katra 7.6, Batote 4.2, Banihal 0.8 and Bhaderwah 3 as the minimum temperature.

Kargil Srinagar and Kargil Zanskar road No Vehicular movement shall be allowed

Srinagar-Jammu National Highway

Traffic advisory SSG (Zojila)/Zanskar (Penzila) road 

*Dated on 11-12-2022*

*Kargil Srinagar and Kargil Zanskar road*

No Vehicular movement shall be allowed on Zojila and Penzila axis due to prediction of snowfall as per the Authority of weather advisory

*For any help*

Dial 112 (ERSS)

PCR Kargil 8491938293

TCU Kargil 8899670906

TCU Leh 8082863919

SHO PS Kargil 9797951951

SHO PS Drass 9906977868

SHO PS Zanskar 9419629929

SO Traffic Minamarag 9469450792

I/C PP Minamarg 7006728085

ICPP Panikhar 9103166435

ICPP Rangdum 6006094761

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Mercury Plunges Further In Kashmir, Ladakh; Pahalgam Records Minus 5.6°C, Srinagar Minus 3.0°C

icicles

Srinagar : Severe freezing weather conditions showed no signs of relenting as night temperature recorded a further drop in Kashmir as well as Ladakh on Wednesday with Pahalgam recording minus 5.6°C.

A meteorological department official here told GNS mercury dropped in Pahalgam from last night’s 3.8°C by nearly 2°C and it was 2.4°C below normal for the famous tourist resort in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

Srinagar, he said, recorded a minimum of minus 3.0°C against minus 2.2°C on the previous night. So far the coldest night at minus 3.4°C this season in the summer capital was recorded on December 5.

Having remained engulfed in mist this morning, the MeT official said, today’s temperature was 2.4°C below the normal for this time of the year in Srinagar.

Qazigund recorded a low of minus 3.6°C against minus 2.2°C on the previous night. The temperature was 2.8°C below normal for the gateway town of Kashmir, he said.

Kokernag recorded a low of minus 1.9°C against minus 0.8°C on the previous night and it was 1.2°C below normal for the place, he said.

Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 4.0°C against minus 3.5°C on the previous night, the official said. It was 0.3°C below normal for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, the official said.

In Kupwara town, the mercury settled at minus 3.1°C against 2.7°C on the previous night, the official said. It was 1.3°C below normal for the north Kashmir place, he said.

Jammu recorded a low of 6.9°C against 7.3°C on the previous night. It was 3.1°C below normal for J&K’s winter capital, he said. Banihal recorded a low of minus 0.7°C (below normal by 2.8°C), Batote 2.6°C (1.4°C below normal), Katra 7.6°C (1.0°C below normal) and Bhadarwah 0.9°C (0.4°C below normal).

In Ladakh, Leh recorded minus 11.0°C, Kargil minus 11.6°C and details regarding mercury in Drass, the world’s second coldest place after Siberia, were not immediately available, the official said.

The MeT department has already forecast light to moderate snowfall in Kashmir from the evening of December 9 to 10.

“A fresh Western Disturbance is likely to affect J&K and adjoining areas from December 9. Under the influence of the system, there is a possibility of light snow over plains and lower reaches, light to moderate snow over middle and higher reaches during 9th December (evening) to 10th December (evening) particularly over north, northwestern, central parts of Kashmir and South Kashmir,” the MeT official said, adding, “Light rain was expected at isolated to scattered places of Jammu.” (GNS)

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Kashmir Weather Update: Srinagar Records Season’s Coldest Night

Weather News Jammu Kashmir

Srinagar: Srinagar witnessed the coldest night of this winter as the mercury slipped below freezing point at most places in Kashmir on Sunday night, officials said.

The central Kashmir’s Srinagar city officials said has recorded a low of minus 2.2 degrees Celsius, the lowest of the season so far again.

Pahalgam in south Kashmir, which serves as the base for the annual Amarnath yatra, was the coldest place in the Valley at minus 4.6°C degrees Celsius while Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded a temperature of minus 2.5 degrees Celsius, they added.

Meanwhile, a MeT offical said that there is a possibility of light snow over plains and lower reaches, light to moderate snow over middle and higher reaches during 9th December (evening) to 10th December (evening) particularly over north, northwestern, central parts of Kashmir and South Kashmir (KNS).

Kashmir Shivers As Srinagar Equals Season’s Coldest Night At Minus 2.2°C

KASHMIR COLD WEATHER

Freezing weather conditions show no signs of reprieve in Kashmir Valley as minimum temperature in Srinagar plunged to minus 2.2°C on Sunday.

A meteorological department official here told GNS the temperature was three notches below yesterday’s minus 1.9°C for the summer capital. While mercury was around 1.3°C below normal during this time of the year, the official said, it equaled last Sunday’s temperature which was the coldest night so far this season in the city which also remained engulfed by mist.

Qazigund recorded a low of minus 2.8°C against minus 2.4°C on the previous night. The temperature was 1.8°C below normal for the gateway town of Kashmir, he said.

In Pahalgam, the mercury settled at minus 4.6°C against minus 2.8°C on the previous night and it was 1.3°C below normal for the south Kashmir resort, he said.

Kokernag recorded a low of minus 0.8°C against minus 1.0°C on the previous night and it was 0.2°C below normal for the place, he said.

Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 2.5°C against minus 2.0°C on the previous night, the official said. It was 0.8°C above normal for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, the official said.

In Kupwara town, the mercury settled at minus 2.4°C against minus 1.9°C on the previous night, the official said. It was 1.0°C below normal for the north Kashmir place, he said.

Jammu recorded a low of 8.7°C against 10.5°C on the previous night. It was 1.1°C below normal for J&K’s winter capital, he said. Banihal recorded a low of minus 0.2°C (below normal by 2.3°C), Batote 3.0°C (1.3°C below normal), Katra 8.6°C (0.3°C below normal) and Bhadarwah 1.4°C (0.1°C below normal).

In Ladakh, Leh recorded minus 8.4°C, Kargil minus 10.8°C and mercury in Drass, the world’s second coldest place after Siberia, settled at minus 11.1°C, the official said. The Weatherman has already forecast light to moderate snowfall in Kashmir from December 9 to 10.

“There is a possibility of light snow over plains and lower reaches, light to moderate snow over middle and higher reaches during 9th December (evening) to 10th December (evening) particularly over north, northwestern, central parts of Kashmir and South Kashmir,” the MeT office said. (GNS)

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Mercury falls across J&K; Gulmarg records minus 3.6°C, Pahalgam minus 3.4°C

Mercury falls across J&K; Gulmarg records minus 3.6°C, Pahalgam minus 3.4°C

Srinagar: Amid forecast for mainly dry weather during next 24 hours and light rain and snowfall on weekend, mercury recorded a drop in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday.

A meteorological department official here told  that Srinagar recorded a low of 1.2°C against 2.4°C on the previous night. The temperature was 0.6°C above normal for the summer capital during this time of the year, he said.

Qazigund recorded a low of 3.6°C against 4.7°C on the previous night. The temperature was 2.8°C above normal for the gateway town of Kashmir, he said.

In Pahalgam, the mercury settled at minus 3.4°C against minus 2.4°C on the previous night and it was 1.4°C below normal for the south Kashmir resort, he said.

Kokernag recorded a low of 3.1°C against 3.2°C on the previous night and it was 1.5°C above normal for the place, he said.

Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 3.6°C, the same as on the previous night, the official told GNS. It was 2.1°C below normal for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, the official said.

In Kupwara town, the mercury settled at minus 0.1°C against 0.8°C on the previous night, the official said. It was 0.1°C above normal for the north Kashmir place, he said.

Jammu recorded a low of 10.7°C against 11.7°C on the previous night. It was 1.6°C below normal for J&K’s winter capital, he said. Banihal recorded a low of 4.8°C (1.8°C above normal), Batote 4.0°C (1.3°C below normal), Katra 10.6°C (0.1°C below normal) and Bhadarwah 1.6°C (0.8°C below normal).

In Ladakh’s Drass, the world’s second coldest place after Siberia, the minimum temperature settled at minus 12.2°C

While mainly dry weather has been forecast till Friday, the MeT office said on November 19th (late afternoon) to 20th November (morning), light rain/snow is expected over many places of Kashmir Division especially over higher reaches and plains of Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal and parts of Srinagar and Budgam districts. “Mostly dry weather is expected over the Jammu division during next 1 week.” (GNS)