Kashmir Receives First Snowfall of the Season as Rains and Hail Hit Plains

Kashmir’s higher reaches received the first snowfall of the season on Saturday, while several parts of the plains experienced brief rainfall, hailstorms and gusty winds, officials said.

The mountainous areas of Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Gumri witnessed the season’s first snowfall, marking an early change in weather conditions in the higher reaches of the Valley.

The snowfall was accompanied by rainfall in parts of Srinagar and adjoining districts. According to officials, some areas of the city experienced rain during the early morning as well as in the afternoon. Hailstorms and gusty winds were also reported in some parts of Srinagar.

The change in weather brought down day temperatures by a couple of notches in Srinagar and nearby areas. The drop in temperatures, along with snowfall in the mountainous regions, has brought a noticeable shift in weather conditions across Kashmir.

The snowfall in Gulmarg and Sonamarg, two prominent mountain destinations, could also attract attention from tourists looking to experience fresh snow. However, the immediate weather conditions remain changeable, with rainfall, hail and strong winds reported in some areas.

The Meteorological Department (MeT) has forecast the possibility of brief showers on Sunday. At the same time, the weather is expected to remain generally dry over the next few days, suggesting that the snowfall and rainfall spell may remain limited in duration.

For residents and authorities, the changing weather also highlights the importance of monitoring conditions in both the higher reaches and plains. While snowfall has been confined to mountainous areas so far, rain, hailstorms and gusty winds have affected parts of the lower areas as well.

The first snowfall does not necessarily indicate the beginning of a prolonged winter. However, it marks an important seasonal weather development in Kashmir and comes with a shift from the warmer conditions of summer to cooler weather in the Valley.

With more brief showers possible on Sunday and generally dry weather expected thereafter, the coming days will determine whether the early snowfall remains an isolated weather event or is followed by further changes in conditions across Kashmir.