Kashmir's Flurry of Snow Elevates Temperatures

Recent snowfall in Kashmir's higher regions brought a rise in night temperatures above the freezing point for the first time this month. Areas like Zojila Pass and the Gurez valley observed snow, while Srinagar recorded a significant temperature increase. 'Chillai Kalan,' the harshest winter period, is approaching.

The higher elevations of the Kashmir region were blanketed by snowfall overnight, owing to a surge in nighttime temperatures above freezing levels for the first time this December, officials reported on Sunday.

Reports of snowfall spanned the Zojila Pass, Minamarg, and Baltal along the Srinagar-Drass axis within Ganderbal district, extending to Tulail in the Gurez valley of Bandipora district.

This December, Srinagar's night temperature elevated to 2 degrees Celsius from a previous minus 2.9 degrees Celsius, a nearly five-degree rise. Pulwama was the region's coldest spot at minus 2.7 degrees Celsius, the sole location below freezing. Experts forewarn of 'Chillai Kalan,' the harshest 40-day winter stretch commencing December 21, which traditionally invites the heaviest snowfall and lowest temperatures.

(With inputs from agencies.)