Tourists and Locals Marvel as Kashmir Wakes Up to Its First Blanket of Snow

A sudden spell of wet weather swept through the Kashmir Valley on Tuesday, bringing fresh snowfall to popular tourist destinations and higher elevations while unleashing light to moderate rains across the plains. Officials from the Jammu and Kashmir administration reported that the precipitation has significantly cooled the region, marking an early taste of winter amid the ongoing autumn season. This unexpected weather event has temporarily disrupted travel on key mountain passes, though meteorologists predict a swift improvement by evening.

Iconic ski resorts and scenic spots, including Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Aru Valley, Chandanwari, and Kokernag, woke up to a layer of fresh snow, transforming the landscape into a picturesque white wonderland. The snowfall extended to critical transit routes such as Peer Ki Gali on the Mughal Road in Shopian district and the strategic Zojila Pass along the Srinagar-Leh national highway, prompting authorities to close these roads for safety assessments and clearance operations. Additional reports highlighted snow accumulation in Sinthan Top in Anantnag district, Affarwat peak in Gulmarg, and Razdan Pass in the remote Gurez Valley, underscoring the widespread impact on the region's rugged terrain.

In the lower-lying areas, including Srinagar city, intermittent rains provided relief from the preceding dry spell but contributed to a dramatic temperature plunge. Daytime highs across the Valley dropped by a stark 13 degrees Celsius, with Srinagar recording a maximum of just 12.5 degrees Celsius on Monday—well below the seasonal average of 25.5 degrees. The chill has caught residents off guard, prompting advisories for warm clothing and caution against slippery roads. Tourists, who flock to Kashmir for its salubrious fall foliage, may find the snow a bonus for early-season photography, though adventure enthusiasts are advised to monitor updates on road statuses.

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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributes this to a western disturbance—a common weather system originating from the Mediterranean that often brings moisture to northwest India during early October. Forecasts indicate light to moderate rain persisting in the plains and intermittent snowfall in elevated areas until Tuesday afternoon, with conditions expected to clear up thereafter, allowing for drier and brighter skies by Wednesday. This respite could aid ongoing harvest activities in the orchards and facilitate the resumption of normal traffic flow. As Kashmir navigates this mini-winter interlude, the event serves as a reminder of the Valley's unpredictable Himalayan climate, which balances breathtaking beauty with logistical challenges.

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