Temperature dips: Snow pounds upper reaches of AJK

According to Meteorological Office, up to 12 inches of snow fell in many areas during first snowfall of winter.

MUZAFFARABAD: Wet and chilly weather left the upper reaches of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) cloaked in snow. According to the Meteorological Office, up to 12 inches of snow fell in many areas including Athmuqam, Bagh, Rawalakot and Hattian Balla during the first snowfall of the winter. Mountains of Neelum and Leepa valleys were also capped by snow during the last 24 hours, which saw the mercury level drop to sub-zero levels in many areas. According to the Met Office, the snowfall brought the temperature level to minus one Celsius in Sharda, Kel and Leepa, Shaunter and Surgan.According to the Met Office, the night time lows in many upper reaches of Rawalakot and Bagh have almost touched freezing point. The Met Office spokesman forecast further rainy weather for the region including the upper parts of Neelum and Leepa in the coming few days.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 7^th, 2013.