Snowy welcome marks winter’s arrival in Kashmir

Srinagar, Nov 16: While temperatures showed a steep decline, Gulmarg and other higher reaches of Kashmir recorded fresh snowfall while the plains witnessed rains on Saturday.

The Meteorological Department (MeT) has predicted improvement in weather conditions from Sunday.

Officials said that Gulmarg ski resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district received the season's first snowfall on Saturday.

They said that alongside Gulmarg, higher reaches of Kashmir including Gurez in Bandipora district, Machil, and Sadna Top in Kupwara district, Mughal Road in Shopian, and other elevated areas, also witnessed fresh snowfall.

Officials said that the snowfall in Gulmarg started early Saturday morning, covering the lush meadows with a pristine white blanket of about an inch of snow.

The intermittent snowfall has added to the charm of this popular tourist spot, likely attracting more visitors in the coming days.

Several other higher-altitude areas in Kashmir, including the strategically significant Gurez Valley and Machil in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, and key routes like the Mughal Road, experienced their first snowfall of the season.

The snowfall has added to the scenic beauty but also disrupted surface transportation at critical passes like Zojila, Razdan Pass, Sadhna Pass, and Sinthan Top.

Zojila Pass and Sonamarg health resort also experienced fresh snowfall.

Sonamarg received over 3 inches of snow while Zojila Pass and Minamarg Drass received 4 to 5 inches of snow till Saturday evening.

Meanwhile, the Srinagar-Leh National Highway was temporarily closed for traffic on Saturday evening.

“It has been snowing in Sonamarg and Zojila since Saturday morning. The traffic from both the Sonamarg and Kargil sides has been stopped. Any decision to allow traffic on the road will be taken subject to improvement in weather conditions,” a Traffic Police official said.

The tourists were seen enjoying the snowfall at zero point Zojila and Sonamarg on Saturday.

“We are happy that it is snowing here this time of year and it made our visit to Kashmir more pleasant,” a group of tourists said.

The plains across Kashmir, including Srinagar, witnessed rainfall.

The rain, coupled with the season’s first snowfall in the higher reaches, led to a steep drop in temperatures, marking the onset of winter conditions.

The Meteorological Department has predicted an improvement in weather conditions from Sunday.

MeT officials have predicted dry weather from November 17 to 23.

The fresh snowfall has caused temporary disruptions to surface transportation along the Zojila, Razdan Pass, Sadhna Pass, Sinthan Top, and Mughal Road.

Tourists, trekkers, and travellers have been advised by MeT to plan their journeys.

Authorities have urged caution while travelling at higher altitudes due to slippery road conditions and potential weather-related disruptions.

Srinagar recorded 12.2 degrees Celsius, Qazigund 12.4 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam 8 degrees Celsius, Kupwara 7.3 degrees Celsius, Kokernag 11.6 degrees Celsius, and Gulmarg 1.2 degrees Celsius.