After weeks of dry weather, Kashmir welcomed its first snowfall of the season, marking the arrival of winter. Higher altitudes received light snowfall, while the plains, including Srinagar, experienced rainfall.
Popular tourist destinations like Gulmarg and Sonamarg saw several inches of snow, with other mountainous areas reporting snowfall. Meanwhile, rain lashed Srinagar and surrounding plains, causing a significant drop in temperatures. The wet weather is expected to continue, signalling a seasonal change.
Reports indicated snowfall in uninhabited areas of Kashmir’s higher reaches, with rain affecting the lower-altitude areas later. The combination of snow and rain led to a noticeable decrease in daytime temperatures, marking the official start of winter in the region.
Season’s first snowfall, Sonmarg Kashmir. pic.twitter.com/Rj8XTvMpWi
— Tahir Ashraf (@Tahir_A) November 11, 2024
The snowfall follows a prolonged dry spell that severely affected river water levels, including the Jhelum, causing water shortages in Kashmir. According to the news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Jammu and Kashmir faced a 27% rainfall deficit from January 1 to October 31, 2024.
The year started with a 48% rainfall deficit in January and February, then a 9% deficit from March to May during the pre-monsoon season. The monsoon season ended with a 26% shortfall, and October saw a 74% rainfall deficit, with some South Kashmir areas experiencing over 90% less rain.
Monday’s snowfall ended the 50-day dry spell in the region, bringing relief. Areas like Kilshay Top, Tulail, Gurez, Doodhpathri, Sinthan Top, Zojila Pass, and Baltal Pahalgam reported fresh snowfall. In Gulmarg, phase II received about two inches of snow.
A weak Western disturbance has caused a drop in temperatures, with moderate to heavy rainfall and hailstorms reported in Poonch. The wet weather is expected to continue, providing relief to the region’s water scarcity issues.
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