Fresh snow in Gulmarg, Pahalgam, rains push night temperatures up in valley

Fresh snowfall in the higher reaches of Kashmir forced the closure of key mountain roads on Sunday, while widespread rain lashed the plains of the valley as a western disturbance triggered a fresh wet spell across the region.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) , the weather system brought light to moderate snowfall overnight to several elevated areas, including Gulmarg , Pahalgam , Yousmarg, Gurez, Razdan Top and the Sonamarg–Zojila axis . The snowfall disrupted road connectivity, leading authorities to close the Srinagar–Leh National Highway and the Bandipora–Gurez road as a precaution.

The latest snowfall comes days after avalanches struck the Zojila Pass along the Srinagar–Leh highway, highlighting the risks of travel in high-altitude regions during periods of unstable weather and fresh snow accumulation. Rescue and road-clearing efforts have been ongoing in the region.

Meanwhile, the plains of the valley, including Srinagar city , witnessed intermittent but widespread rainfall through the day. Officials said the persistent cloud cover pushed minimum temperatures above seasonal averages across many parts of Kashmir.

Srinagar recorded a minimum of 10.3°C , about 3.8 degrees above normal , with night temperatures across the valley three to five degrees higher than seasonal averages due to cloud cover.

The western disturbance causing this late-March snowfall is expected to intensify on March 29–30, bringing widespread rain and snow, along with thunderstorms and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph . Moderate snowfall is likely in higher reaches of north and central Kashmir , potentially affecting road connectivity.

From March 31 to April 7, scattered rain or snow may continue. Authorities have advised farmers to suspend operations until Monday to avoid weather-related risks.