Overview
- Higher elevations including Gurez, Drass, Zojila and Sadhna Pass reported new snowfall on Friday, with passes seeing up to two to three inches and tourist spots like Gulmarg and Sonamarg receiving lighter flakes.
- The India Meteorological Department said a western disturbance began affecting the region Friday, bringing light snow to higher terrain and the possibility of light rain in lower areas.
- Meteorological officials expect precipitation to strengthen from January 19, with a third system from January 20 to 24 likely to produce moderate to heavy snowfall in the highlands and potentially the plains, according to Sonam Lotus.
- Minimum temperatures have edged toward or above seasonal averages across several locations, though most valley stations continue to record sub-zero nights.
- Authorities urged tourists, commuters and transporters to exercise caution on mountain roads due to possible connectivity disruptions and underscored the role of upcoming snowfall in replenishing water reservoirs during Chillai Kalan.