The long drawn dry spell after several years has dried many water bodies in Kashmir. Water level in the Jhelum has gone alarmingly low.
Representation image (ANI Photo)
The Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh witnessed light snowfall in the higher reaches, ending one of the longest dry spells in the regions, the weather office said on Saturday.
Weather experts say that the light snowfall may not compensate the snow deficit of December and early January when the temperature is below the freezing point, which is suitable for recharge of glaciers and sticking the snow on mountain tops for water requirements during the summer.
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The long drawn dry spell after several years has dried many water bodies in Kashmir. Water level in the Jhelum has gone alarmingly low.
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Snow during this part of winter has water content as a result of which it quickly melts. However, it has brought cheers among the fruit and other crop growers. Lack of snowfall in the lower areas of Kashmir was worrying the apple growers.
The weatherman has forecast light snowfall at some places in the Valley and Ladakh till 31 January. February looks good as frequent western disturbance is expected, he added.
Meanwhile, the Srinagar-Ladakh and the Mughal Road in Jammu remained shut for vehicular traffic due to snow accumulation at various places.
The frontier area of Gurez in North Kashmir and the tourist spots of Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Doodpathri and South Kashmir’s Shopian had snow.
However, the plains of Jammu are still waiting for winter rains. The sun was bright and after several days, the mercury touched the double figure during the day time.
The weatherman has reported a significant rise in the day temperature over the plains of Jammu division.
The Changthang area of Eastern Ladakh, which was under a thick layer of snow at this time last year, currently presents a barren look, said a local resident.
The weatherman has predicted light to moderate snow and rain between February 1 to 3 at many places in J-K and Ladakh.
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