Srinagar, Dec 12: The Kashmir Valley’s plains woke up to the season’s first snowfall on Thursday, as light snowflakes graced areas in Shopian, Pulwama, and Baramulla districts, among others. Meanwhile, moderate snowfall blanketed the higher reaches, creating a picturesque winter landscape. Officials confirmed that the minimum temperatures improved across most parts of the valley due to an overnight cloud cover.
In the plains, districts such as Shopian, Pulwama, and Baramulla witnessed light snowfall, as did the upper areas of Anantnag, Budgam, and Bandipora. Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, remained snow-free, but nearby tourist hotspots like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Tangmarg were draped in fresh snow.
The snowfall led to disruptions in vehicular movement. Key mountain passes and roads, including the Srinagar-Leh Highway, the Mughal Road, and the Bandipora-Gurez Road, were closed for traffic due to snow accumulation, particularly along the Zojila Pass. Authorities have dispatched personnel and machinery to clear these routes and ensure early restoration of traffic.
“Snow clearance operations are underway, and we aim to reopen affected roads at the earliest,” an official from the traffic department stated.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted an improvement in weather conditions starting Thursday afternoon. “We expect dry weather to prevail across the region until December 20,” an IMD spokesperson said, offering respite to commuters and local residents.
Meanwhile, the minimum temperatures showed a marked rise across the valley, with Srinagar recording a low of minus 0.5 degrees Celsius, an improvement from the frigid minus 3 degrees Celsius the previous night. Tourist destinations such as Gulmarg and Pahalgam saw minimum temperatures of minus 5.2 degrees Celsius and minus 4.6 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Other areas also witnessed improved temperatures: Qazigund, the gateway to the valley, recorded a low of 0.2 degrees Celsius, while northern Kashmir’s Kupwara and southern Kashmir’s Kokernag registered minimums of 0.5 degrees Celsius and minus 1 degree Celsius, respectively.
Pahalgam, known as the base camp for the annual Amarnath Yatra, offered a serene view of snow-dusted landscapes, drawing excitement among tourists and locals alike. The snowfall is expected to boost the region’s winter tourism, particularly in destinations like Gulmarg, a favorite among skiers.
While the first snowfall of the season brings beauty and joy, it also poses challenges for daily life. Locals in affected areas have urged authorities to expedite snow-clearing efforts, particularly on key arterial routes, to prevent extended disruptions.
With the valley transitioning into the heart of winter, residents are preparing for colder days ahead, even as the season’s first snowfall brings with it the promise of a vibrant winter tourist season.