Fresh Snowfall Blankets Kashmir’s Higher Reaches; Valley Shivers as Temperature Dips by 13°C

By : Javid Amin | October 6, 2025 | Srinagar

Winter’s Early Whisper Turns Valley White

Kashmir’s majestic peaks have once again donned their winter attire. Early this morning, fresh snowfall transformed the upper reaches of Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Gurez, and Pahalgam into enchanting white wonderlands, while a biting chill swept through the plains of the Valley.

Driven by an active western disturbance, the sudden weather shift brought a dramatic 13°C drop in day temperatures, turning the usual autumn mildness into an early winter chill.

In Srinagar, the day temperature plunged from 22°C to 9°C, marking one of the steepest single-day drops recorded in October in recent years. The city’s skyline, framed by snow-dusted mountains, appeared straight out of a postcard, yet the cold winds carried a stern reminder — winter has arrived early.

Weather Snapshot: From Golden Autumn to White Horizon

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the strong western disturbance currently sweeping across north India has intensified over Jammu & Kashmir, triggering widespread rain and snow since late Saturday.

Snowfall Reported In:

• Gulmarg: Heavy snowfall blanketed Affarwat and Kongdori slopes; ski operators report 4–6 inches of accumulation.

• Sonamarg: The Thajiwas Glacier and Zoji La pass received moderate snow, causing a sharp dip in mercury.

• Gurez Valley: Roads in Tulail and Dawar turned slippery as snowflakes thickened overnight.

• Kupwara & Shopian: Higher reaches, including Sadhna Top and Peer Ki Gali, recorded fresh snow showers.

IMD Forecast (October 5–8):

• Snowfall: Moderate to heavy in upper regions of North and Central Kashmir.

• Rain: Light to moderate showers in plains and lower belts.

• Temperature: Expected to remain below normal, with minimum temperatures near 3°C in some areas.

• Wind Conditions: Gusty winds likely in exposed regions, especially in north Kashmir.

IMD officials noted that western disturbances of this intensity are rare in early October and could signal a longer, colder winter season ahead.

Valley Feels the Chill: Life Slows, Nostalgia Returns

As temperatures plunged, Srinagar’s residents rushed to unpack pherans, kangris, and blankets earlier than usual. Street vendors huddled around coal fires, and tea stalls filled the air with the familiar aroma of noon chai and kehwa.

For many, the sudden cold triggered nostalgia. “This feels like the Kashmir of the old days,” said Abdul Majid, a shopkeeper at Lal Chowk. “Snow in October used to be common, but in recent years, winters have arrived late. This is a welcome sight.”

However, the chill also disrupted daily routines. Several schools in Kupwara, Bandipora, and Ganderbal reported low attendance due to rain and slippery roads. The J&K Power Development Department (PDD) confirmed partial outages in Baramulla and Kulgam, attributing them to snow-laden transmission lines.

Tourism & Travel Impact: A Blessing Wrapped in Frost

While the cold tested the Valley’s preparedness, it rekindled Kashmir’s tourism spark. The early snow turned Gulmarg and Sonamarg into postcard-perfect destinations, drawing inquiries from across India.

“This early snowfall is a blessing for tourism, but we’re also advising caution on mountain routes,” said Javid Amin, founder of JKL Travels, one of Kashmir’s leading tour operators.

According to JKL Travels and the Tourism Department, the number of snow-viewing and honeymoon package inquiries surged by nearly 40% over the weekend.

Trending Packages Include:

• 2N/3D Snow Escape – Srinagar–Gulmarg–Sonamarg short trip

• Kashmir Autumn-Winter Crossover – For couples seeking both saffron bloom and snow

• Gurez Valley Explorer – Adventure tour combining remote landscapes with snow drives

Tourism stakeholders believe that if weather remains stable after October 8, October–November bookings could see a record upswing before the winter freeze.

Road & Travel Advisory: Proceed with Caution

The Traffic Police Department has advised commuters to exercise caution on all mountain routes as snow and rain continue.

Current Updates:

• Mughal Road: Closed for heavy vehicles due to snow accumulation at Pir Ki Gali.

• Srinagar–Leh Highway: Temporary closure near Zojila Pass due to low visibility and icy conditions.

• Kupwara–Tangdhar & Gurez Roads: Slippery and risky for light motor vehicles.

Authorities have deployed snow-clearance teams at key passes, while BRO (Border Roads Organization) is monitoring avalanche-prone zones. Travelers are urged to:
✅ Avoid night travel through hilly sections.
✅ Carry anti-skid chains and warm gear.
✅ Check latest advisories before departure.

Flight operations at Srinagar International Airport remained largely unaffected till Sunday afternoon, though airlines warned passengers of possible delays if the weather persists.

Farming Advisory: Frost Threat Looms Over Apple & Saffron

The sudden temperature plunge poses a serious threat to Kashmir’s agricultural economy, particularly for apple and saffron growers in South and Central Kashmir.

Advisory for Farmers:

• Apple growers: Complete harvesting immediately and store produce in ventilated, frost-free areas.

• Saffron farmers (Pampore): Cover fields with protective nets or straw layers to shield bulbs from frost damage.

• Vegetable cultivators: Use polythene sheets to protect greenhouses and nurseries.

“A 13°C drop is significant,” said an official from the Agriculture Department. “Cold waves this early can affect saffron bloom and apple quality if not managed carefully.”

In areas like Shopian and Pulwama, farmers were seen working late into the night to secure crops before frost set in.

Power & Infrastructure: Stress Under the Snow

The combination of wet snow and gusty winds has strained Kashmir’s power infrastructure. Reports of outages came in from Baramulla, Anantnag, and parts of Budgam, where electricity poles and transmission lines suffered damage.

The Power Development Department has dispatched emergency repair teams, while residents have been urged to conserve energy during peak hours.

Municipal authorities have also initiated drainage cleaning drives in Srinagar to prevent waterlogging, particularly in Bemina, Nowgam, and Rajbagh areas.

Climate Insight: Early Snow Signals a Shift

Meteorologists are calling this early snow a climate anomaly — not unprecedented, but unusual in timing and intensity.

Historically, Kashmir’s first snowfall usually occurs in late October or November, but recent years have seen erratic patterns — late snowfalls followed by heavy winter storms.

According to climate data, the frequency of western disturbances affecting the region has increased by nearly 20% over the last decade. Scientists warn that while such early snow can replenish glaciers, it also disrupts agricultural and tourism cycles.

“We are observing increasing volatility in Himalayan weather systems,” said an IMD climatologist. “Early snowfall might seem positive, but it’s part of a larger trend of unpredictable climate behavior.”

The Poetic Stillness of Winter’s Prelude

For Kashmiris, the first snow isn’t merely weather — it’s an emotion woven into culture. As flakes descend silently over the chinars, the Valley slips into a serene stillness.

Boats on Dal Lake cut through misty waters; saffron fields shimmer under frost; children gather near windows watching rooftops turn white.

In villages, kangris glow, and the faint crackle of firewood mingles with the scent of noon chai. The landscape — a blend of gold and white — marks a rare moment when autumn and winter embrace.

Quick Weather Round-Up (As of October 5, 2025)

Looking Ahead: What to Expect

The IMD predicts that the western disturbance will weaken gradually after October 8, with weather stabilizing across the Valley. However, nighttime temperatures are expected to remain near freezing in many upper areas.

Tourism authorities are optimistic that, once roads clear, the “Autumn Snow” season will become a unique draw for travelers seeking both golden chinars and white mountains — a dual beauty rarely seen elsewhere.

Bottom-Line: Kashmir’s Cold Embrace

The fresh snowfall across Kashmir’s highlands is both a visual delight and a meteorological milestone. It has cooled the air, revived tourism, and awakened nature’s quiet rhythm — yet it also reminds us of the fragility of balance between beauty and hardship.

As the Valley shivers under a 13°C temperature drop, one thing is clear — winter has arrived early, and with it, a renewed sense of wonder.

Kashmir, once again, stands as a canvas where nature paints in silence — with white strokes over a golden valley.