Jammu and Kashmir: First Snowfall of the Season Blankets Upper Reaches and Gulmarg

In a welcome turn of weather, the higher reaches of the Kashmir Valley experienced a gentle snowfall on Sunday, bringing an end to a nearly two-month-long dry spell and spreading joy among residents and tourists alike.

Tourist destinations such as Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Doodhpathri, Tangmarg, Gurez Valley, Tragbal in Bandipora, and Kernah in Kupwara witnessed varying degrees of light to moderate snowfall. At the Gulmarg ski resort, tourists reveled in the snowfall, capturing memorable moments and expressing their delight by frolicking in the snow.

Srinagar and its adjacent areas received light rain, breaking the prolonged period of dry weather and providing relief to the locals. Reports of light rainfall also emerged from various parts of the Kashmir Valley. The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar forecasts light to moderate rain and snowfall across Jammu and Kashmir in the next 24 hours.

The forecast anticipates light to moderate rain or snow in many places in J&K, with heavy snowfall expected in isolated higher reaches of the Kashmir Division, including districts such as Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Shopian, Anantnag, and Kulgam from Sunday afternoon to late afternoon on January 29.

Additionally, there’s a likelihood of light to moderate rain or snow in several areas from January 30-31, with chances of heavy snowfall in some higher reaches. The weather is expected to remain generally cloudy with light rain or snow in many places towards late afternoon or evening on February 1-2.

Between February 3 and 4, light to moderate rain or snow is forecasted for many places in J&K. The Meteorological Office warns of intermittent light to moderate rain with thunder or lightning in the plains of Jammu Division, accompanied by light snowfall in higher reaches and moderate snowfall in isolated higher reaches from January 28 (night) to January 31 (afternoon).

The advisory includes the possible temporary closure of higher reach roads and crucial passes, such as Sinthan Pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna and Razdan Pass, Zojila, etc., particularly from January 28 to 31. Travelers are cautioned to plan their trips accordingly.

Farmers are advised to refrain from irrigation and fertilizer applications and to drain excess water from orchards and fields during the wet weather period. A significant drop in daytime temperatures is anticipated during this period.

On Sunday, Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded a minimum temperature of 4.3°C above normal, contrasting with the normal -1.0°C. The previous day’s minimum temperature in Srinagar was 13.3°C, which was 5.8°C above the seasonal norm. Other valley stations reported low temperatures, with Qazigund at -0.6°C, Pahalgam at -0.8°C, Kupwara at 2.1°C, Kokernag at -0.1°C, and Gulmarg at -3.5°C, according to the Meteorological Office.

As the snowfall brought relief from the dry spell and delighted both residents and tourists, the picturesque landscapes of Kashmir were once again adorned with a blanket of snow, creating a serene and magical atmosphere. The renewed wintry charm is not only a visual treat but also crucial for the ecological balance and the region’s agricultural activities.

Travelers and locals alike are urged to stay informed about weather conditions and adhere to advisories, especially regarding road closures and potential travel disruptions. The first snowfall of the season in the upper reaches and Gulmarg signals a change in the weather pattern, and the region welcomes the much-needed precipitation to replenish water resources and rejuvenate the natural surroundings.