Srinagar, Nov 12 (HS): Fresh snowfall in the higher reaches and intermittent rain in the plains brought a chill to Kashmir on Thursday, as forecast by the Meteorological Department.

Intermittent snowfall began on Thursday morning in the higher reaches, including the tourist resort of Gulmarg, and a thin layer of snow had settled over these areas as the day progressed.

At least three inches of snow had accumulated on the Apharwat peak in Gulmarg in north Kashmir by afternoon, and snowfall continued intermittently. Tourists were seen enjoying the picturesque scenes. People associated with the tourism sector said the snowfall ahead of the onset of winter could prove beneficial for tourism.

Sadhna Top and Razdan Top received three inches of snow each, and the Tulail valley in Gurez also recorded three inches. The upper reaches of Kupwara and Bandipora districts have also turned white, with intermittent light snowfall continuing. Fresh snowfall was also under way at Zojila Pass on the highway connecting the Valley with Leh.

In the plains, it has been raining on and off since Thursday morning, and the temperature has dropped slightly.

According to the Meteorological Department, the weather is likely to continue till Friday afternoon, after which it is expected to improve gradually. A department spokesperson said moderate to heavy snowfall is likely over some higher reaches of the Valley from the afternoon of November 12 to the afternoon of November 13, while the plains may receive light to moderate rain.

A brief wet spell is possible at isolated places on November 14 and 15, he said, and the weather is expected to remain largely dry from November 16 to 20. Strong winds are also likely in some parts of the Valley during this period, he added.

In its advisory, the department asked farmers to ensure safe storage of harvested crops on November 12 and 13. The spokesperson said snowfall in the higher reaches could make roads slippery and disrupt transport. Commuters have been advised to plan their travel accordingly.

Meanwhile, traffic remains suspended on the historic Mughal Road, which links Shopian in south Kashmir with Poonch and Rajouri districts of the Jammu region. Officials said fresh snow had made the road slippery, and traffic was halted as a precaution. At least two inches of snow had accumulated at Pir Ki Gali on the road by Thursday afternoon, according to reports.

However, traffic continues as usual on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, the Valley’s lifeline, and the Srinagar-Leh highway is also open to traffic.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Zahoor Hussain Bhat