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The higher reaches of Kashmir experienced fresh snowfall on Friday, while the plains received rain, bringing down the mercury in the Valley. This unexpected weather event has given the region a wintery feel in June. According to the Meteorological Department, light wet spells are expected to continue until Saturday.
Today, the mountains of Kashmir turned white as areas like Afferwat in Gulmarg, Razdan Top, Zojila, Sadhna Top, and Sinthan Top received fresh snowfall. A few inches of snow were recorded in these upper reaches, while the plains experienced rainfall for the third consecutive day. This led to a significant drop in temperatures, making it feel more like February rather than June.
The monsoon season in Kashmir began on June 1, and since then, intermittent rainfall has been recorded across the Valley. The Meteorological Department predicts that the weather will remain partly to generally cloudy tomorrow, with a chance of light rain and thunderstorms at scattered places until the afternoon. However, the weather is expected to improve from June 9, with generally dry conditions forecasted until June 17.
In its advisory, the Meteorological Department advised farmers to resume their farm operations, such as spraying and applying fertilizers, from June 9 onwards. Additionally, a fresh spell of hot and dry weather, including a heatwave, is expected to start from June 10 in Jammu and Kashmir.
A meteorological department official told GNS that partly to generally cloudy weather with a possibility of light rain or thunderstorms at scattered places is expected on June 8. From June 9 to 17, generally dry weather is anticipated, although there may be isolated instances of light rain or thunderstorms.
This forecast means that the weather is likely to be dry during the upcoming annual Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela on June 14 and the Eid-ul-Azha festival, which will be celebrated in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the world starting from June 17.
As for the current temperatures, Qazigund, the gateway to Kashmir, recorded a maximum temperature of 23.8 degrees Celsius. Pahalgam, a famous tourist spot, saw temperatures settle at 20.4 degrees Celsius. In Kupwara, the mercury was at 20.9 degrees Celsius, while Kokernag and Gulmarg, a renowned ski resort, recorded maximum temperatures of 22.7 degrees Celsius and 11.2 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Kashmir has been experiencing a mix of snowfall in the higher regions and rain in the plains, leading to cooler temperatures. However, the weather is expected to turn dry and hot from June 9, just in time for the Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela and Eid-ul-Azha festival. Tourists and locals alike should prepare for this shift in weather and enjoy the upcoming events with the forecast in mind.
