Srinagar: World famous ski resort of Gulmarg and health resort of Pahalgam recorded further drop in the minimum temperature after fresh snowfall yesterday while night will become more chilly elsewhere in the Kashmir valley, where weather will remain dry.
However, after fog early in the morning, sun came out from behind the clouds though strong winds also continued in the valley.
The weather will remain dry during the next 72 hours in the state, where Leh continued to freeze at minus 10.6 degree, though about a notch warmer than yesterday.
Gulmarg, a famed ski resort in north Kashmir experienced fresh light 2 cm snowfall yesterday, turning roof and tree tops white. Open fields, including world class ski slopes had also turned white, much to the delight of few tourists and those associated with tourism industry, including sledge, horse owners and traders providing warm cloth and shoes to guests. After almost total wash out of summer season, we expect good arrival of tourists, adventure lovers and skiers during the winter, they said.
The upper reaches, including Kongdori, Khilanmarg and Affarwat, the highest skiing point connected by Cable Car from the base, had experienced moderate snowfall. However, due to snowfall followed by open sky and dry weather, the minimum temperature witnessed further drop. Against yesterdays minus 3.4 degree, the night temperature was minus 5.2 degree, more than a notch below normal.
Pahalgam, a world famous health resort, about 100 km from here also recorded drop in the minimum temperature after fresh snowfall yesterday. Against yesterdays minus 4.2 degree minimum temperature dropped further and settled at minus 4.9 degree, two notches below normal. It was also coldest of the winter season so far.
However, the upper reaches, including holy Amarnath cave shrine and its periphery received moderate to heavy snowall. Reports of snowfall were also received from Sheshnag, Mahaguns, Pisso top and Panjterni besides at Chandanwari, the last motorable halting station on traditional yatra route.