Fresh snowfall was recorded on Thursday across several higher reaches of Kashmir, including popular tourist resorts, while the plains experienced intermittent rains, providing a much-needed respite for residents and raising hopes of reducing the valley’s substantial rainfall deficit.

Tourist destinations such as Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam, along with Doodhpathri in Budgam district, recorded light snowfall. In addition, areas like Heerpora in Shopian and Uri in Baramulla also witnessed fresh snowfall, while many other places in the region’s higher reaches experienced similar weather conditions.

The plains of the valley, including Srinagar, were lashed by intermittent rains, they added.

The wet weather spell along with the forecast of more precipitation have raised hopes among the people of reducing the high rainfall deficit in Kashmir.

Kashmir has witnessed a mostly dry winter this year with the months of January and February recording a precipitation deficit of around 80 per cent.

"We have been waiting for rains and snow as we are facing a drought-like situation due to deficit in precipitation this year. We are thankful to God that there has been fresh snowfall and rainfall, albeit little," local resident Mehraj Ahmad said.

Ahmad expressed hope of more precipitation in the coming days to mitigate the sufferings of the people.

The Meteorological Department has forecast light to moderate rain or snow at many places on Thursday.

It said while the weather is likely to remain cloudy from February 21-23, light rain or snow is possible at scattered places on February 24-25, and light to moderate rain or snow at many places is likely on February 26-28.

PTI