The season’s first snowfall in the higher reaches and widespread rain in the plains of Kashmir and parts of the Jammu region have led to a sharp fall in temperature, road closures, and a sudden spike in power demand.
Heavy Snowfall Snaps Road Connectivity Across Key Mountain Passes in Jammu & Kashmir
Official sources confirmed that several major mountain passes have been closed due to heavy snowfall, cutting off vital routes:
- Sinthan Pass (Kishtwar–Anantnag road)
- Mughal Road (Rajouri–Poonch–Shopian)
- Chattergalla Pass (Bhaderwah–Bani road in Kathua)
- Zojila Pass (connecting Kashmir and Ladakh)
- Razdan Pass (Gurez Valley)
- Bangus Valley in Kupwara
Authorities said road communication in these areas has been completely snapped due to 1–1.5 feet of snow, while rescue and clearance operations are underway.
Rain and Snow Bring Drastic Fall in Temperatures
Light to moderate rainfall was recorded in Srinagar and other plains of Kashmir, while popular hill destinations like Gulmarg, Daksum, and Minimarg witnessed moderate snowfall.
Srinagar city’s day temperature dipped nearly 10°C, dropping from 22.6°C on Sunday to 11°C on Monday.
Similarly, Kupwara recorded 10.8°C, Pahalgam 9.2°C, Kokernag 12.1°C, and Gulmarg just 4.4°C, all 10–16°C below normal for this time of year.
Temperature Plummets Across Jammu Region
In the Jammu division, most districts experienced a steep 10–12°C drop in day temperature:
- Jammu: 21.3°C (down from 31°C)
- Bhaderwah: 10°C (down from 19.7°C)
- Katra: 18°C
- Banihal: 11.2°C
- Batote: 12.6°C
The Meteorological Department reported 25.3 mm rainfall in Batote, 25 mm in Bhaderwah, 17.5 mm in Katra, and 12.8 mm in Jammu during the last 24 hours.
Low-Lying Areas Waterlogged in Jammu City
Continuous rainfall late Monday evening caused waterlogging in several low-lying areas of Jammu city, hampering traffic flow. Many residents pulled out woollens and jackets as chilly winds swept across the region.
Weather Forecast: More Rain and Snow Likely Till October 7
According to the Meteorological Department, the region will continue to experience light to moderate rain and snowfall till the afternoon of October 7, followed by gradual improvement.
- October 8: Brief spells of light rain at isolated places
- October 9–16: Generally dry weather
The department also warned of landslides, flash floods, and shooting stones at vulnerable places in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions due to heavy rain and gusty winds up to 50 kmph.
Power Demand Surges by 200 MW in Kashmir
The sudden drop in temperature has led to a sharp increase in electricity usage.
An official from Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) said:
“The power demand has gone up by nearly 200 MW over the past two days—from around 1350 MW to 1550 MW.”
The KPDCL assured that power supply will remain stable this winter, with noticeable improvement in availability compared to previous years.
Hope for Tourism Revival in Bhaderwah After Snowfall
The first snowfall at Guldanda, about 35 km from Bhaderwah town on the Bhaderwah–Pathankot highway, has revived hopes for tourism in the Chenab Valley.
Local hoteliers and tour operators expressed optimism that the early snow at Guldanda, Chattergalla, and Kailash peaks could bring back tourists after months of decline due to the Pahalgam terror attack and recent floods that damaged local infrastructure.
“We are hopeful that this snowfall will bring back tourists in large numbers. Guldanda has been the heart of our winter tourism, and after months of uncertainty, we see this as a fresh beginning,” said Manish Kotwal, a hotelier from Bhaderwah.
Temperature Overview
| Region | Day Temp (°C) | Change | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Srinagar | 12.5 | -13.0 | Below normal |
| Gulmarg | 4.4 | -12.1 | Heavy snowfall |
| Kupwara | 10.8 | -16.0 | Coldest in north Kashmir |
| Jammu | 21.3 | -10.0 | Sharp fall |
| Bhaderwah | 10.0 | -9.7 | Near freezing |
| Batote | 12.6 | -15.6 | Moderate rain |
| Katra | 18.0 | -13.0 | Chilly winds |
Outlook for the Week Ahead (as per MeT)
| Date | Weather Forecast (Kashmir Division) | Weather Forecast (Jammu Division) |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 6 | Scattered heavy rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds (40–50 kmph), landslide risk | Heavy to very heavy rain, possible flash floods |
| Oct 7 | Isolated thunderstorms, gusty winds (30–40 kmph) | Isolated thunderstorms |
| Oct 8–12 | Mostly dry and stable | Mostly dry and stable |
The first major wet spell of the season has not only transformed Kashmir’s landscape into a white wonder but also brought relief and challenges—from tourism revival hopes to power and transport disruptions.
As the temperature continues to fall, residents brace for an early onset of winter across the Union Territory.
