SRINAGAR, Feb. 20—Fresh snowfall blanketed parts of Kashmir on Thursday, with Doodhpathri, Sonamarg, Zoljila, Mughal road and higher reaches of Kulgam and Kokernag receiving heavy accumulation, while rains lashed the plains, lowering temperatures across the valley, and closing key highways.
Sonamarg and Doodhpathri in central Kashmir recorded nearly 10 inches of snowfall in two hours, reports said.
Light snowfall was also observed in parts of South Kashmir’s Qazigund.
Meanwhile, heavy rainfall was recorded in the plains, with Sangam receiving 8.0 mm, Srinagar’s Ram Munshi Bagh 6.0 mm, and Khudwani and Batkoot 11.0 mm each.
Despite the precipitation, water levels in the Jhelum River and other streams remain below normal due to an ongoing dry spell, officials said.
Meanwhile, all major highways, including the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, were closed following snowfall and heavy rain.
Officials said traffic on the highway has been halted at both ends due to slippery conditions near Banihal and Ramsoo. Commuters have been advised to avoid travel until roads are cleared.
The Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri (SSG) Road remains shut due to continuous snowfall.
"A decision on reopening will be taken tomorrow after clearance from road maintenance agencies," an official said.
The Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag Road also remains closed as per an advisory issued by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate Kokernag.
Similarly, the Mughal Road and Bhaderwah-Chamba Road are shut due to heavy snow accumulation, officials confirmed.
Pertinently, Jammu and Kashmir has recorded an 83% rainfall deficit in 2025, raising concerns over water availability in the coming months.
Since January 1, only 29.8 mm of rainfall has been recorded, compared to the normal 175.8 mm, according to the Meteorological Department.
"The weather is expected to improve from February 21, with partly cloudy skies until February 23," said Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the Meteorological Department.
"Light rain and snow are likely at scattered places on February 24 and 25, with a fresh spell of moderate precipitation expected between February 26 and 28."
Temperatures also dropped sharply, with Jammu recording a minimum of 11.9°C, Katra 9°C, Batote 3.7°C, Banihal 2.4°C, and Bhaderwah 4.4°C.
Also, Poor visibility and dense fog over the Trikuta Hills forced the suspension of helicopter services between Katra and Sanjhi Chhat for Vaishno Devi pilgrims.
"Pilgrims are trekking on foot or using pithoo, palki, and pony services," an official said.
The service will resume once conditions improve. Shrine Board staff are assisting devotees along the route, he added.