Up to 9 inches of snow reported in higher reaches; Pir Ki Gali, Machil, Zojila and Affarwat among affected areas
SRINAGAR, October 15: Fresh snowfall across Kashmir’s surrounding mountain ranges on the night of October 14 has intensified the autumn chill in the Valley, with Ziraat Times receiving reports of snow accumulation of up to 9 inches in higher-altitude areas.
The snowfall covered parts of the Pir Panjal range and the higher Himalayas surrounding the Kashmir Valley. While higher reaches received up to 9 inches of snow, some relatively lower mountain areas reported accumulations of 3 to 5 inches, according to sources.
North Kashmir
Machil, Gurez, Razdan Pass and Sadhna Top were among the areas reporting fresh snowfall. The precipitation has brought colder conditions to the high-altitude settlements and mountain routes of Kupwara and Bandipora districts.
Gulmarg and Affarwat
Fresh snow was reported from Affarwat Peak and the upper reaches of Gulmarg, bringing an early winter landscape to the popular tourist destination. Temperatures remained considerably lower at higher elevations than in the Valley.
Pir Panjal and Mughal Road
Pir Ki Gali and adjoining high-altitude stretches of the Pir Panjal range also received fresh snowfall. The precipitation could affect visibility and road conditions along the Mughal Road, which connects south Kashmir with the Rajouri–Poonch region.
Zojila and Sonamarg
Snowfall was reported around Zojila Pass and the higher reaches of Sonamarg. Early-season snow in this area can affect travel along the Srinagar–Sonamarg–Kargil highway, depending on weather conditions and road clearance.
South Kashmir and other high-altitude areas
The upper reaches around Pahalgam and Sinthan Top also witnessed fresh snow, according to reports. Higher elevations around Harmukh and Ganderbal were among other areas reporting wintry conditions.
Rain brings chill to the plains
While snowfall was concentrated in the mountains, rainfall across Srinagar and other parts of the Valley added to the autumn chill. The drop in temperatures marks an early transition towards winter, particularly in areas close to the surrounding mountain ranges.
Travellers heading towards high-altitude destinations and mountain passes have been advised to check the latest traffic and weather advisories before undertaking journeys. The reported snow depths are based on inputs received by Ziraat Times from its sources.
