Kashmir Sees Snowfall in Mountains, Rain in Lowlands
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Synopsis
On February 27, 2023, Jammu and Kashmir experienced significant rainfall in the plains and moderate snowfall in higher altitudes, alleviating the prolonged dry spell and restoring water flow in local rivers and springs, crucial for the Valley's residents.
Key Takeaways
- Snowfall in higher areas like Gulmarg and Sonamarg.
- Improved water discharge in rivers and springs.
- Replenishment of the historic Achabal spring.
- Concerns over potential drought mitigated by recent weather.
- Predictions for more rain/snow in the coming days.
Srinagar, Feb 27 (NationPress) Continuous rain in the lowlands and moderate snowfall in the mountainous regions of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday ended the extended dry period, leading to a significant increase in water flow in rivers, streams, and springs. This has been a relief for the thousands of residents in the Valley, as almost all waterways are now flowing normally. The historic Achabal spring in Anantnag district, which had completely dried up, has been naturally replenished, bringing joy to the local community that relies on this spring for drinking water and agricultural irrigation.
Areas at higher altitudes such as Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Zojila Pass, Gurez, Sinthan top, Peer Ki Gali, Razdan Pass, and other mountainous locales experienced snowfall.
Reports indicate that two to three feet of fresh snow has settled in Gulmarg. This has reignited hopes for the commencement of the ‘Khelo India 2025 winter sports Gulmarg’ event, which had previously been postponed due to minimal snowfall this winter.
Previously, the perennial water sources in the higher altitudes were not replenished because of the insufficient snowfall, which is crucial for sustaining various rivers, streams, lakes, springs, and wells in the Valley during the warm summer months.
This prolonged dry stretch had resulted in several springs drying up, raising concerns about a potential drought in the coming months within the Kashmir Valley.
However, the recent rain and snow in the past 24 hours have alleviated these concerns for the local populace.
Minimum temperatures recorded were 5.1 degrees Celsius in Srinagar, minus 1.8 degrees in Gulmarg, and minus 1 degree Celsius in Pahalgam.
In Jammu city, temperatures reached 17.2 degrees Celsius, 14.8 degrees in Katra town, 6.5 in Batote, 6 in Banihal, and 5.8 in Bhaderwah.
The Meteorological (MeT) office has predicted additional rain and snow in the union territory over the next 24 hours, after which an improvement in weather conditions is anticipated.
