Fresh snowfall in upper reaches; weather cold again in Kashmir

Srinagar, Feb 25 (UNI) With the world famous ski resort of Gulmarg alongwith other upper reaches in the Kashmir valley experiencing fresh snowfall and plains having rains, weather has turned cold, forcing people to wear woollens again.

A report from Gulmarg said it was heavily snowing at Affarwat, the highest down hill ski point, Kongdori and Khilanmarg since today morning.

It said Gulmarg and Tangmarg also recorded fresh snowfall since early this morning, much to the delight of skiers and tourists who had arrived there from different parts of the country and abroad.

The two to 10 km slopes were under about three to five feet of snow where two-day sports event ''Gulmarg cup'' started yesterday.

The Western Disturbances (WD), which entered into Kashmir valley from North Pakistan, are active in the entire region. These would cause snowfall and rains, a weather office spokesman said.

He said the earlier WD were mostly going astray without touching the Kashmir valley where deficit rainfall was recorded during this winter.

He, however, said the deficit will be covered during March when heavy rains are expected.

The report said fresh snowfall was also recorded on the upper reaches in the Kupwara and Baramulla districts. Sadhna top and Keran experienced fresh snowfall since early this morning.

Whereas Baramulla, Kupwara and adjoining areas had rains, resulting in considerable drop in the temperature.

Fresh snowfall was also recorded at holy Amarnath cave and its periphery, Sheshnag, Mahaguns, Sadhna top and Panjtherni in south Kashmir. However, the weather remained dry in Anantnag town and adjacent areas.

The Zojila and zero point on the 434-km-long Srinagar-Leh national highway, which has been closed for six winter months from November 15 last year, also experienced snowfall. Whereas, it was bright sunshine at Drass, the world's second coldest place after Siberia and Kargil. Both the places recorded deficit rainfall during the winters this year.

Srinagar city and its adjoining areas also had light rains this afternoon, resulting in severe cold.

UNI