WATCH: Heavy Snowfall In Upper Reaches Of Kashmir, Rain Lashes Plains

Light rain lashed the valley, including Srinagar city, marking an end to the dry spell that had caused an uptick in coughs and colds, notably among children and the elderly.

A three-week dry spell in Kashmir ended on Thursday as snowfall covered the higher reaches and rain doused the plains, as per local officials. Gulmarg and Sonmarg in northern Kashmir saw snow early in the morning, with the weather department anticipating more throughout the day. Heavy snowfall was also seen in Poonch. Traffic movement on Mughal Road, Srinagar was suspended due to heavy snowfall.

Light rain lashed the valley, including Srinagar city, marking an end to the dry spell that had caused an uptick in coughs and colds, notably among children and the elderly.

However, a dry spell is forecasted for the next week starting Friday.

Overnight temperatures rose significantly in various Valley locations, with only Gulmarg reporting temperatures below freezing on Wednesday night. Srinagar registered a minimum temperature of 5.3 degrees Celsius, while Qazigund recorded 5 degrees Celsius. Pahalgam in south Kashmir noted 1.5 degrees Celsius, and Gulmarg settled at minus 1 degree Celsius.

Hail and heavy rain also hit Chandigarh on Thursday morning. This unseasonal rainfall occurred due to the influence of western disturbances, a sequence of cyclonic storms originating in the Mediterranean, travelling over 9,000 km to deliver winter rainfall to northwest India. These extratropical weather systems significantly impact the Indian subcontinent, particularly the northern and northwestern areas.

Previously, senior meteorologist RK Jenamani had highlighted the presence of a western disturbance in North India, gradually progressing eastward.

On Monday, temperature was recorded to be 1.8 degree in Srinagar and a thick wave of fog grappled the city.