Light snowfall brings brief cheers to Srinagarites

Srinagar, Jan 25: Srinagarites woke up to a spell of light snowfall, breaking a prolonged snowless winter in the summer capital.

After the rains from Thursday evening ended weeks of dry weather, the morning hours today saw light snowfall in several city areas besides the upper reaches. Localities such as Harwan, Upper Theed, Dara, Fakir Gujri, and Takiye Sangrish received a few inches of snow, while central Srinagar witnessed only a light snow cover that lasted for a couple of hours.

Locals said that the thin white layer remained till late morning, painting the sloping rooftops and gardens of the city in soft shades of white before melting away by noon.

Meanwhile, in the city outskirts, people came out early to enjoy the short spell. At the historic archaeological site at Buzahama, families and children gathered on the gentle slopes, clicking pictures and recording videos.

“We knew the snow would not last long, so everyone rushed out to enjoy whatever little snow there was. The children were excited, and we felt happy after many days of dry and dull weather,” Imad Bhat, a local, said.

Within minutes, social media platforms were flooded with videos and photographs as residents tried to capture the fleeting moments before the snow disappeared.

Locals said, being Sunday, roads across Srinagar saw thin traffic, with most people staying indoors due to the cold. Temperatures dipping added to the winter chill, though the snowfall itself remained light.

Residents recalled that during the previous snow spell on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday, Srinagar had remained the only district without snowfall. “We were disappointed then. Today’s snowfall is small, but it gives hope. We pray there is more snow in the coming days.”

Officials from the MeT Department said there is a forecast of light rain and snowfall on January 26, and advisories have been issued for higher reaches and other districts.

An official from Srinagar Municipal Corporation said no snow-clearing machines were deployed as accumulation was minimal. “We are fully prepared with men and machinery. Whenever there is a need, we are ready,” the official said.