Kashmir Snowfall & Rain Forecast: Fresh Snow in Higher Reaches, Rain in Plains | 24-Hour Weather Update
By: Javid Amin | 11 February 2026
Western Disturbance Brings Mixed Weather — Snow in Mountains, Showers in Valleys | Travelers Advised to Expect Fluctuating Conditions
A winter spectacle with shifting skies
Over the past 24 hours, Kashmir has witnessed fresh snowfall across its higher reaches, while several lower-lying areas and plains received intermittent rainfall and cloudy conditions, according to meteorological data and official reports.
From iconic hill stations like Gulmarg and Sonmarg to remote high passes such as Sadhna Pass and Sinthan Top, snow has renewed winter’s grip on the mountains — painting landscapes in white and bringing seasonal cheer to winter tourists.
Meanwhile, cities and plains of the Kashmir Valley witnessed light rain showers and overcast skies, marking a mixed weather pattern that will continue over the next 24 hours.
Why This Weather?
The Role of a Weak Western Disturbance
Meteorological agencies attribute these weather changes to the influence of a weak western disturbance — an upper-air westerly wind pattern originating in the Mediterranean that periodically affects northwest India during winter. Such systems transport moisture and instability into the Himalayan region, triggering snowfall at higher altitudes and rain at lower elevations.
Notably:
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The current western disturbance is relatively weak, producing light snowfall and intermittent rain rather than heavy, persistent snow.
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No major precipitation events are forecast through the next 10 days, although brief light snow may occur at isolated higher elevations on February 14 and February 17.
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Forecasters caution that the overall dry spell could lead to a precipitation deficit in February, a concern for winter water storage and later agricultural patterns.
Ground Report: Where It Snowed
Fresh snow was confirmed in prominent high-altitude regions across the Kashmir Valley, including:
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Gulmarg — famous ski destination and winter tourist hub
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Sonmarg — gateway to Ladakh and scenic alpine meadows
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Pahalgam — river valley resort and Amarnath Yatra base
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Doodhpathri & Tangmarg — hillside terrain popular with trekkers
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Gurez Valley, Sadhna Pass, Peer Ki Gali, Sinthan Top — remote high passes with heavy winter precipitation
These areas, often at elevations above 2,500 meters, experienced fresh snow cover through Tuesday and into early Wednesday.
Tourists in Gulmarg reported waking up to snowfall in the early hours, an experience that delights winter visitors and boosts tourism engagement at a time when many international and domestic travelers seek snowy landscapes.
Plains and Valleys: Rain and Clouds
Lower altitude regions — including the Kashmir Valley floor, Srinagar city, Qazigund, and parts of Kupwara and Kokernag — experienced rain showers and persistent cloudy conditions.
This rain was attributed to the same western disturbance that brought snowfall to higher terrains. Unusually, the cloud cover also caused slightly higher night temperatures than seasonal norms in the plains, reducing intense cold but keeping the air moist.
Temperature Trends: Cold Continues with a Mild Twist
Minimum temperatures reported over the past 24 hours indicate:
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Srinagar: ~3.3°C
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Gulmarg: ~-3.4°C
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Pahalgam: ~-0.4°C
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Jammu City: ~12.3°C
Daytime highs also showed a moderate warming trend in valley cities due to overcast conditions, yet nights remain cold in the highlands, maintaining snow integrity at altitude.
10-Day Weather Outlook
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and ground forecasts:
Feb 11–20
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Mostly dry weather overall
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Brief light snowfall may affect higher elevations mainly Feb 14 and Feb 17
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Plains and valley regions are expected to stay largely dry with intermittent clouds
Travel Window
After Wednesday, skies are predicted to clear gradually, offering fair days for sightseeing, road travel, and outdoor activities in the valley — but winter conditions will continue in the higher reaches.
Impact on Travel and Tourism
Winter Sports & Recreation
Ski resorts like Gulmarg remain centers for winter sports, now refreshed with new snow cover that supports skiing, snowboarding, and other snow activities. However, the snowfall is light to moderate, so conditions may suit recreational riders more than competitive or heavy powder skiing.
Road Travel and Safety
Travelers should exercise caution on high mountain roads — especially in areas like Sadhna Pass and Sinthan Top, where snowy or icy stretches can persist after precipitation ends. Official advisories recommend confirming road and weather status with authorities before venturing into remote zones.
Glacier and Tourist Rush
With fresh snow on slopes and scenic landscapes, tourist interest in winter destinations like Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and Pahalgam has surged. Resorts and local hotels are experiencing higher footfall, especially from domestic tourists seeking snow experiences this season.
Environmental and Hydrological Notes
Snowfall plays a critical ecological role in Kashmir’s water cycle:
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Snowpack accumulated in winter serves as a natural reservoir, releasing meltwater in spring and summer.
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Extended dry periods — such as the forecasted stretch — may impact water availability, affecting irrigation, river flow, and farm productivity later in the year.
Experts emphasize that winter precipitation — even light snowfall now — supports the long-term hydrological balance in the Himalayan region.
What Experts Are Saying
Meteorologists stress the importance of viewing short-term snow and rain events in the context of seasonal climatic trends:
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Western disturbances produce episodic weather changes, but their infrequency this winter has led to dry spells.
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Dry winter conditions, even with occasional snowfall events, may reduce long-term snow reserves — a trend that warrants careful monitoring by climate scientists and water resource planners.
Key Takeaways for Readers
✅ Snow and rain mix: Fresh snow in mountains; rain and clouds in valley plains.
✅ Weak disturbance: The current weather system offers light precipitation only.
✅ Mostly dry soon: Forecast points to predominantly clear weather later this week.
✅ Travel friendly forecast: Winter landscape remains scenic, with safer travel windows opening soon.
Practical Tips for Travelers
🔹 Check road conditions before journeys in high mountain passes.
🔹 Prepare for temperature swings — warm days, cold nights.
🔹 Carry snow gear if traveling to elevations like Gulmarg or Sonmarg.
🔹 Follow local advisories for avalanche zones and high passes.
