Srinagar, Oct 13: Winter tightened its grip over Kashmir on Tuesday as higher reaches received fresh snowfall and the plains were lashed by rains, pushing temperatures down sharply and enveloping the valley in an early winter chill.
Many areas in the higher reaches of Kashmir received light to moderate snowfall as the valley came under the influence of an active Western Disturbance, officials said.
Fresh snowfall was reported from the tourist resorts of Gulmarg and Sonamarg as well as from the Zojila Axis, while snowfall was also recorded on Mount Affarwat, Razdan and other higher reaches, the officials said.
The plains, including Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, were lashed by rains, which continued almost the day, pushing temperatures down and bringing an early winter chill, they said.
In Gulmarg, temperatures hovered around 10 degrees Celsius in the early afternoon amid rainfall in the lower reaches.
According to the Meteorological Department, the weather conditions are being driven by a western disturbance, which is expected to keep the region unsettled until October 15.
Light to moderate rain is forecast at many places across Jammu and Kashmir, with snowfall over the higher reaches. Thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds and isolated hailstorms are also likely during this period, the department said, adding that daytime temperatures are expected to remain below normal.
The weather will generally remain dry, with a brief spell of light rain at isolated places on October 16, it said. Predominantly dry weather is expected across Jammu and Kashmir from October 17 to 24, it added.
Authorities have advised travellers and transporters to exercise caution while navigating mountain passes and roads at higher altitudes, given the anticipated weather conditions.
Farmers have been asked to store harvested apples, paddy and other agricultural produce safely to minimise losses from rainfall and strong winds.
Meanwhile, the cold breeze sweeping the plains signalled the onset of early winter, with people winding up their market visits in the early hours on Tuesday.
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