SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Valley has been witnessing rains and snowfall in various parts for the past 24 hours. The MeT department has predicted that rain would continue in the plains and snowfall was likely to continue in the upper reaches of the state till Thursday. After fresh snowfall at Zojila and Minimarag, the Kargil Highway has been closed for vehicular traffic. Mughal Road, connecting Kashmir with Poonch, has also been closed after fresh snow at Peer Ki Gali.
"The state has so far received 83.5 mm rainfall between October 1 and November 7, as against the normal 47.6 mm. It will continue to rain and snow in some parts till Thursday and after that, we are hoping that the weather will improve," said a MeT official. Kargil in Ladakh region was the coldest town on Wednesday with the minimum temperature of minus 7 degrees Celsius, while Leh recorded minus 1.4 degrees Celcius.
The minimum temperature in Srinagar was recorded at 5.2 degrees Celcius, while Pahalgam and Gulmarg recorded 1.3 and minus 3.0 degrees Celcius respectively. Jammu city recorded 15.2 degrees Celsius while Katra was at 11.7, Batote- 7.4, Bannihal- 0.5 and Bhaderwah- 4.2. The valley witnessed its first snowfall just a week ago which resulted in the breakdown of electricity and communication lines.