Srinagar/Rajouri/Jammu: While the snowfall in the upper reaches and rains in the plains pushed up the minimum temperature in Kashmir on Sunday, with Srinagar recording its warmest night this winter, Kashmiris are optimistic that the weather pattern would attract tourists, ending the post-Pahalgam massacre slump.
From last night, Kashmir’s plains received rains while the upper reaches experienced snowfall, improving the mercury. At 4 degrees Celsius, the minimum temperature in Srinagar on Sunday was six notches above normal, even as the higher reaches of Kashmir witnessed snowfall and the plains rain as ‘Chillai-Kalan’, the 40-day harshest winter period, brought much-needed respite for the people of the Valley after a prolonged dry spell, an official of the local meteorological department said.
It said that Sonamarg, Gulmarg, parts of Kupwara and Bandipora districts besides higher reaches of south Kashmir received snowfall.
The rise in minimum temperature was due to overcast skies in the region, he said.
Gulmarg in north Kashmir was the only weather station to record a sub-zero temperature as the mercury settled at minus 1.5 degrees Celsius, 5 degrees above normal for this time of the year.
The rest of the weather stations, including Pahalgam in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, recorded minimum temperatures between 2.5 degrees Celsius and 3.8 degrees Celsius.
The weather office has forecast moderate to heavy snowfall in the higher reaches and light to moderate precipitation in the plains.
Meanwhile, traffic on the Mughal and Sinthan Top roads, which provide alternative connectivity to Kashmir, was suspended on Sunday due to light to moderate snowfall in the high-altitude areas of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.
However, traffic on the 270-kilometre Jammu-Srinagar national highway was plying as usual despite intermittent rains that ended the over one-and-a-half months long dry spell, they said.
A group of three tea vendors, left stranded in the Peer Ki Gali area, were rescued by police and Border Roads Organisation in a joint operation after they made passionate appeals through video messages urging the authorities to rescue them.
“Despite challenging weather conditions and reduced visibility, the police team swiftly moved to the location and carried out a well-coordinated rescue effort. Through timely action and close coordination, all three stranded persons were safely evacuated from the area,” a police spokesman said.
He said the rescued individuals are stable and safe.
The Mughal road, which connects the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri with south Kashmir’s Shopian, was closed for traffic as a precautionary measure after more than three inches of snow was recorded at Peer Ki Gali on Sunday afternoon.
The Sinthan Top road, which connects Kishtwar and Doda districts in Jammu with south Kashmir’s Anantnag, was also closed after moderate snowfall in the higher reaches.
Both the mountainous roads usually remain closed for several months due to heavy snowfall during winter.
In response to the inclement weather and its potential impact on public safety, the police in Poonch have established a dedicated helpline to assist residents in times of need.
“This initiative is aimed at ensuring timely support and maintaining public safety during adverse weather conditions,” the police spokesman said.
The police also urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in areas prone to landslides or road blockages, and stay updated on weather forecasts and advisories issued by the authorities.
