Light rain, snow in higher reaches bring dip in temperatures across J&K

Kashmir witnessed light rainfall on Friday, while higher reaches received fresh snowfall, leading to a drop in temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. According to the Meteorological Department, Srinagar recorded 2.6 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, while Qazigund received 4.4 mm, Kupwara 6 mm, Gulmarg 7 mm and Pahalgam 5.4 mm. Higher-altitude areas experienced snowfall, with Razdan Pass—connecting Bandipora with Gurez—witnessing moderate snowfall, forcing closure of the road for traffic. Snowfall was also reported at Zojila Pass, which links Ladakh with Sonamarg. Other higher reaches, including Pir Ki Gali, Sinthan Top, Margan Top and Machil in Kupwara, as well as the Sonamarg-Minamarg axis, also received light snowfall. Parts of the Jammu division also recorded rainfall, with Banihal receiving 4.7 mm, while Bhaderwah and Batote recorded 0.9 mm each. Day temperatures dropped significantly across the Union Territory, remaining below normal at most places. Srinagar recorded a maximum of 15.9°C, five degrees below normal, while Pahalgam registered 13.2°C, Gulmarg 6.2°C and Kupwara 13°C. In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded 28.8°C, while Banihal and Batote recorded 16.2°C. The MET has forecast partly to generally cloudy skies with intermittent light rain or thundershowers at many places till April 19, mainly during morning and evening hours. Gusty winds (40–50 kmph) and isolated hailstorms are also likely. Weather conditions are expected to improve from April 20, with generally dry weather likely to prevail till April 24. A brief dry spell may continue through April 25–26, although isolated light rain or thundershowers with gusty winds cannot be ruled out.