Snow returns to Kashmir hills, Gulmarg, Zojila see fresh fall

Fresh snowfall returned to the higher reaches of Kashmir on Sunday, bringing back wintry scenes to the mountains, while steady rains swept across the plains of the valley. The sudden shift in weather also forced the closure of the Srinagar-Leh National Highway after snowfall at Zojila Pass , officials said.

According to officials, several high altitude areas received fresh snowfall, particularly around the popular tourist destination Gulmarg in north Kashmir. Snowfall was reported in the upper areas including Apharwat and the Kongdoori bowls , where snow continued to fall until the latest reports came in.

Other elevated locations also witnessed snowfall. Pir Ki Gali , located along the historic Mughal Road in Shopian district of south Kashmir, experienced fresh snow. The Sonamarg–Zojila axis , an important route connecting Kashmir with Ladakh, also recorded snowfall during the day.

Due to heavy snow accumulation at Zojila Pass , authorities were forced to close the Srinagar-Leh highway , a crucial route for both civilian and military transport. Officials said the road will reopen once weather conditions improve and snow clearance operations are completed.

While the mountains received snow, the plains of the Kashmir Valley , including Srinagar , witnessed continuous rainfall. The wet conditions led to a noticeable drop in daytime temperatures across the region.

The Meteorological Department has predicted erratic weather conditions until March 20 . Intermittent light to moderate rain in the plains and snowfall in higher reaches is likely to continue until Monday morning.

A brief spell of light rain or snow at isolated places is possible on Tuesday. Between March 18 and March 20 , the weather is expected to remain generally cloudy , with intermittent rain or snowfall at many places across the valley.

Meteorologists have also warned of thunder and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph at a few places on Sunday and Monday.

Another wet spell is expected on March 24 and 25 , with light rain in the plains and snowfall in the higher reaches at scattered locations, according to the weather office.