Kashmir Upper Reaches Receive Season’s First Snowfall; Rain & Hail Lash Plains as Autumn Knocks on the Door
High-altitude passes including Zojila, Pir Panjal, and Mahadev Peak turn white; Srinagar records 26.6°C while Jammu settles at 32.7°C.
SRINAGAR: A sudden transformation swept across Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday as widespread rains lashed the plains while the extreme higher reaches welcomed the season’s inaugural snowfall. The weather system sent temperatures tumbling, adding an unmistakable nip to the mountain air and signalling the onset of autumn across the Union Territory.
In Srinagar and adjacent districts, intermittent rainfall was accompanied by brisk winds and brief bouts of hail. Meanwhile, snow flurries dusted high-altitude terrains including the rugged mountain heights around Zojila Pass, Gumri, Gulmarg’s higher ridges, and the Pir Panjal mountain range.
“Snowfall remained largely confined to elevations above 3,900 metres. Early snow on extreme peaks is a classic regional indicator marking the withdrawal of the monsoon and the onset of autumn in Kashmir.”
Srinagar city caught a glimpse of the seasonal transition as the iconic Mahadev Peak stood draped in white. Reports of fresh snowfall were also confirmed from Kaobal Gali in the picturesque Tulail Valley of Gurez.
Regional Weather & Temperature Snapshot
Srinagar
Max: 26.6°C (-1.2° below normal)
Min: 17.2°C (+2.0° above normal)
Rainfall: 0.4 mm
Jammu
Max: 32.7°C (Normal)
Min: 23.4°C (-0.4° below normal)
Status: Humid & Stable
Resorts & South Kashmir
Gulmarg: 19.0°C / 7.6°C | 7.2 mm rain
Pahalgam: 23.4°C / 13.4°C | 2.6 mm rain
Kokernag: 1.2 mm | Qazigund: 1.0 mm
*Note: Katra reported no rainfall during daytime hours on Saturday, but recorded a significant 42.6 mm downpour in the preceding 24 hours.
Weather Outlook: What Lies Ahead?
According to meteorologists, the active weather disturbance has largely passed over the Union Territory. However, residents should keep their umbrellas handy for another 24 hours:
- Sunday Forecast: A short-duration spell of light rain or isolated thundershowers remains likely in scattered pockets, particularly during morning and afternoon hours.
- Sept 7 to Sept 12: A prolonged stretch of predominantly dry and pleasant weather is forecast to prevail across both Jammu and Kashmir divisions, offering crisp sunny days and cool evenings.
