Higher Reaches of Kashmir Witness Fresh Snowfall as Rain Lashes Plains

Several areas in the higher reaches of Kashmir received fresh snowfall overnight, turning the mountain landscape white on Wednesday morning as an active western disturbance affected the region. The plains, including Srinagar, experienced overnight rainfall, officials said.

According to officials, light to moderate snowfall occurred across several high-altitude areas, while snowfall continued for the second consecutive day in some locations. The fresh spell brought wintry conditions to popular tourist destinations and mountain passes across the Valley.

Pahalgam, a prominent tourist resort in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, and its adjoining areas received overnight snowfall. Intermittent snowfall also continued in Gulmarg and Sonamarg, along with the Zojilla Axis, Razdan Top and Tulail in north Kashmir’s Gurez region.

Meanwhile, the plains of the Valley, including Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, were lashed by overnight rains. However, the cloud cover began clearing by Wednesday morning, allowing sunshine to return to parts of the region.

The India Meteorological Department has forecast unsettled weather over the next 24 hours under the influence of the active western disturbance. Light to moderate rain is likely at many places, accompanied by light snowfall in higher reaches. Thunderstorms, gusty winds and hailstorms are also possible at isolated locations until Thursday.

According to the weather forecast, conditions are expected to improve on October 16, when the region will generally remain dry, although brief spells of light rain may occur at isolated places.

The weather is then likely to remain generally dry until October 24, offering a prolonged break from precipitation after the current wet spell.

The fresh snowfall has covered several mountain areas and tourist destinations, while rainfall has affected the lower elevations. Weather conditions over the coming days will determine how quickly the region returns to a stable pattern following the western disturbance.