New Delhi, December 12
Snowfall in Kashmir:The first snowfall of this season took place in the plains of Kashmir today. On the other hand, the cold has increased in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi while some parts of South India received rain.
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, did not receive snowfall today, but the plains of Shopian, Pulwama and Baramulla as well as the upper reaches of Anantnag, Budgam and Bandipora received light snowfall. The tourist areas of Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Tangmarg, Gurez and Zojila Pass received light to moderate snowfall.
Officials said Srinagar-Leh highway was closed for traffic due to snow accumulation at Zojila pass, while Bandipora-Gurez road and Mughal road were also closed. Delhi recorded the coldest December day in the last three years today as the mercury was recorded at 4.5 degrees Celsius. Snow also fell in Lahaul, a tribal district of Himachal Pradesh and Gondla in Spiti. Apart from this, Una remained the hottest during the day with a temperature of 23.6 degrees Celsius.
The Shimla Meteorological Department has forecast dry weather in the state for the next one week.