Temp across Kashmir dips due to fresh snowfall, rains
Weather office issues orange alert in JK
Srinagar: Fresh snowfall in the higher reaches and showers in the plains of Kashmir on Monday led to a sharp drop in day temperatures in the valley, officials said.
Snowfall was reported from Sinthan Top in Anantnag district, Affarwat in Gulmarg, Zojila Pass, Bangus in Kupwara, Razdan Pass in Gurez valley and other higher-altitude areas, they said.
Light to moderate rainfall was witnessed in the plains of Kashmir, including Srinagar city, they added.
The day temperature in the valley dipped by nearly 10 degrees, with the city recording a maximum of around 11 degrees Celsius on Monday, compared to 22.6 degrees Celsius recorded a day earlier.
Notably, the Meteorological Department has forecast continued wet weather for the next 24 hours in the valley.
Meanwhile, the weatherman issued an orange alert for Jammu and Kashmir, predicting intermittent spells of light to moderate rain and snow across the region.
According to details the Meteorological Department said that generally cloudy weather is expected on Monday with possibility of intermittent spells of light to moderate rain, thunder and gusty winds (light to moderate snow over higher reaches) at most places of J&K.
It added that there is possibility of heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places of Jammu division and moderate to heavy rain over isolated places of Kashmir.
“Light to moderate rain (light snow over higher reaches) is expected till forenoon or afternoon and improvement thereafter.
“On October 8, a brief spell of light rain is expected at few places. Generally dry weather is expected from October 9 to October 16,” it said.
The Weather Office also advised the farmers to suspend all activities between October 6 and 7.
“There is a possibility of landslides, shooting stones at vulnerable places with a possibility of light to moderate snow over higher reaches of Kashmir, Chenab valley and Pir Panjal range and possibility of moderate to heavy snow over few higher reaches of South Kashmir and Chenab Valley,” it said.
Meanwhile, higher reaches like Gulmarg, Sinthan Top, Sadhna Pass, Razdan Top received season’s first snowfall this morning while plains, including Srinagar, experienced rainfall since late last night. (KNO)
Meanwhile, the world-famous ski resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district turned into a breathtaking white wonderland as Kangdori and adjoining areas received the season’s first snowfall, marking the official arrival of winter in the higher reaches of the Kashmir Valley.
According to reports, light to moderate snowfall began early in the morning, covering the meadows, pine forests, rooftops, and ski slopes with a delicate layer of snow. The scenic transformation added a magical charm to the resort, drawing both locals and tourists outdoors to relish the serene beauty of the first snow.
The Meteorological Department said that the snowfall was caused by a western disturbance currently affecting north Kashmir and is part of the region’s normal early-winter pattern. While the snowfall was not heavy, it was enough to signal a drop in temperatures and excite winter tourism stakeholders.
Tourists were seen capturing photos and videos as snowflakes gently settled on Gulmarg’s vast meadows. “It’s mesmerizing to witness the first snow of the season,” said a tourist from Delhi. “The landscape looks straight out of a postcard.”
Local shopkeepers and hoteliers expressed optimism as the snowfall brought renewed hustle and bustle to the area. Tea stalls and cafés along the Gulmarg road buzzed with activity as visitors stopped by to warm themselves with Kashmiri kahwa and snacks.
Officials from the Tourism Department confirmed that all approach roads to Gulmarg remained open and traffic movement was smooth. However, they urged motorists to drive cautiously due to slippery conditions in certain patches.
An official said, “This early snowfall is a good omen for Gulmarg’s winter season. It will likely attract more tourists in the coming days and give an early start to winter-related activities and business.”
With this early onset of snow, Gulmarg has once again reaffirmed its reputation as the crown jewel of Kashmir’s winter tourism, setting the tone for an exciting season ahead for adventure seekers, skiers, and nature lovers alike.
