Snowfall in Kashmir’s tourist spots

Srinagar, Oct 6: The higher reaches of Kashmir experienced snowfall on Sunday with tourist destinations like Gulmarg and Razdan Pass in Gurez blanketed in a fresh layer of snow.

The snowfall has caused temperatures to plummet across Kashmir while rains lashed the plains of the Valley.

Gulmarg ski resort in Baramulla received light snowfall overnight, with areas in the phase II section of the resort recording at least 2 inches of snow.

The snow also signaled the beginning of colder days in Kashmir with temperatures dropping sharply across both the hills and the plains.

In Gurez, located near the Line of Control (LoC), Razdan Pass, also received its first snowfall of the season.

The Meteorological Department (MeT) officials said that the Valley’s hills had experienced light snowfall, while the plains were affected by periodic rains.

The MeT said the temperatures across Kashmir saw a considerable dip, with Srinagar recording a low of 7 degrees Celsius and Gulmarg falling to a chilly minus 1 degree Celsius during the night.

The dip in temperatures is expected to continue over the coming days, signalling the start of colder weather.

Independent weather forecasters said that while October 5 may bring occasional showers in some areas, the rest of Kashmir will likely experience stable weather.

“October 7 and 8 are forecast to remain mostly dry, though there is a slight chance of brief showers in isolated areas,” an independent weather forecaster said. “For October 9 to 10, mostly dry conditions are expected, with about a 50 percent chance of short rain spells in certain localities.”

From October 11 to 14, the forecast predicts continued dry weather, with daytime temperatures expected to rise slightly.

The snow and rains are a concern for farmers over the impact of the wet weather on the ongoing harvest season.

With the region’s key crops, including apples and paddy, nearing harvest, any significant or prolonged rain spells could potentially damage yields and delay harvesting activities.