Srinagar, Oct 14: Several areas in the higher reaches of Kashmir were draped in white on Wednesday morning after an active western disturbance brought fresh overnight snowfall, officials said. The plains, including summer capital Srinagar, were lashed by overnight rains, though clouds made way for sunshine in the morning.
Under the influence of the active western disturbance, several areas in the higher reaches received light to moderate snowfall overnight, the officials said. While there was fresh snowfall in many areas in the higher reaches of Kashmir, it continued in several other places for the second day.
Pahalgam tourist resort in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district and its adjoining areas received overnight snowfall.
Intermittent snowfall continued in Gulmarg and Sonamarg tourist resorts as well as the Zojila Axis, Razdan Top and Tulail in north Kashmir’s Gurez.
The meteorological department has forecast a wet spell over the next 24 hours. It said there is a possibility of light to moderate rain, with light snow over the higher reaches, at many places along with thunder, gusty winds and hailstorm at isolated places till Thursday.
The weather will generally remain dry with a brief spell of light rain at isolated places on October 16. Afterwards, the weather will remain generally dry till October 24, it said.
With the fresh snowfall, the flow of tourists has increased in the famous tourist destinations of Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg.
Reports said Gulmarg turned into a winter wonderland with tourist footfall doubling everywhere.
“It’s really a paradise on earth and believe me, it’s magic to come here to witness the snowfall live,” said Sanjina, who was enjoying the fresh snowfall in Gulmarg. She said she had extended her stay to explore the “winter paradise”.
Shekhar, a Mumbai-based businessman, said, “Who said Switzerland is a winter wonderland? It’s our Kashmir which has its uniqueness in every season. I keep travelling and have been doing so for the past few years, but couldn’t see snow live. Today, luck was in my favour as despite no such prediction, I reached my favourite place in Kashmir, Gulmarg, and it was snowing. Believe me, I was blessed.”
He said he was out of words to express his feelings about the beauty of the place. “It’s really a winter wonderland.”
Tourists in other snow-hit places were seen enjoying and dancing in the snow, while at most places they were seen clicking pictures and making reels, creating beautiful memories with the snow in Kashmir.
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