Snowfall in Kashmir, NH open despite rains

Srinagar, Jan 28: The upper reaches of Kashmir continue to receive heavy snowfall while plains recorded moderate rains even as the vital Srinagar-Jammu remained open for traffic today.

Reports of heavy snowfall were received from the world famous ski resort of Gulmarg, Kongdoori, Apharwat, Yousmarg, Sadhna Top, Keran, Pahalgam, the holy cave shrine of Amarnath and its periphery, Pisso Top, Mahagunas, Sheshnag, Panjtherni, Qazigund and Sonamarg.

Moderate rainfall was recorded at several places in Srinagar, Anantnag, Pulwama, Badgam, Baramulla and Kupwara.

However, the 300-km-long Srinagar-Jammu national highway IA, the only surface link between Kashmir and the rest of the country, was open for one-way traffic despite heavy rainfall at several places along the road.

The snowfall and rains ended a month-long dry weather in Kashmir.

The Valley witnessed extreme cold nights during the period which also saw parts of the famed Dal Lake and other tributaries frozen.

However, temperatures during the day remained above normal during all these days.

The coldest period of winter in Kashmir, called 'Chilai Kalan' in local parlance, is also coming to an end on January 30. The 40-day period began on December 21 last year with heavy snowfall in the entire Kashmir valley.

According to Met office here, the minimum temperature in Srinagar was recorded at 3.6 degree Celsius, six degree above normal while the maximum yesterday stood at 14 degree Celsius.

UNI