Srinagar, Dec 31 (NationPress) The higher altitudes of Kashmir experienced a delightful snowfall in the past 12 hours, with the minimum temperature rising above freezing across the region on Wednesday, except for the Gulmarg ski resort.

Tourists currently visiting the Valley to ring in the New Year were ecstatic to see snowfall in Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam. The snowfall on New Year's Eve provided a magical backdrop for the celebrations, as a pristine white blanket enveloped the ground in Gulmarg and other popular tourist destinations.

This time of year, Kashmir is bustling with visitors from various parts of the country, many of whom are witnessing snowfall for the first time in their lives.

All accommodations in Srinagar and Gulmarg are fully booked, with hotels in Sonamarg and Pahalgam also experiencing an uptick in tourists this winter.

The minimum temperature across the Valley increased above freezing due to overnight cloud cover, except in Gulmarg, where it dipped to minus 3 degrees Celsius.

In Srinagar, the minimum temperature was recorded at 2.3 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam saw 1.8 degrees Celsius.

In Jammu city, temperatures reached 10.4 degrees Celsius, with Katra at 10, Batote at 8.8, Banihal at 5.9, and Bhaderwah at 4 degrees as the lowest temperatures of the night.

While the hills enjoyed snowfall over the last 12 hours, residents of central Kashmir, including Srinagar and other areas in the Valley's plains, have been left wanting for this season's first snowfall.

When questioned about whether the recent snowfall in the mountains would be sufficient to refill the perennial water reservoirs, an earth scientist responded, “No, once we have two feet of snow accumulation on the ground in the plains, it is possible to say that the higher reaches would have received four feet or more.”

“However, if the snowfall in Gulmarg and Sonamarg amounts to less than a few inches, how can we expect that this would replenish our water reservoirs to sustain us through the summer months?” he elaborated.

The 40-day harsh winter period known as 'Chillai Kalan' commenced on December 21, and there has been little to no significant rain or snow in Jammu and Kashmir so far. If 'Chillai Kalan' passes without substantial snowfall, it could lead to major challenges for horticulture, agriculture, and the drinking water supply during the summer months.