India, Jan. 23 -- Widespread heavy snowfall overnight brought an end to a prolonged dry spell across Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, blanketing large parts of the Valley and offering relief from an extended cold and dry period.

Independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif told a local news agency Kashmir News Service that snowfall was reported across all regions, though accumulation varied significantly from district to district.

In Central Kashmir, Budgam district recorded the heaviest snowfall. Pakherpora received between 1.5 and 2 feet of snow, while Charar-i-Sharief saw around 1.5 feet. Srinagar airport measured 3 to 4 inches, though most parts of the city received only light accumulation.

In South Kashmir, Shopian district was among th...