SUHAIL KHAN
SRINAGAR, Oct 29: The higher reaches of the Kashmir Valley, including north Kashmir’s Bandipora, received fresh snowfall overnight.
Reports reaching Kashmir Despatch said that snowfall was recorded across the high-altitude areas of Gurez, Sadna Top, Tulail, Gulmarag hills, and Sonamarg, leading to a sharp drop in temperatures that had residents reaching for warm clothing.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the Meteorological Department, informed Kashmir Despatch that light snowfall and rain are likely to continue, primarily in the upper reaches. He stated that cloudy conditions are expected to persist over the next several days, with the current weather pattern projected to last until November 7.
In light of the changing weather conditions, the Meteorological Department issued an advisory urging farmers to prioritize crop harvesting, secure their produce, and focus on essential farming tasks.
Meanwhile, independent weather forecaster Kashmir Weather reported that, as expected, many upper regions of the Kashmir Valley received light snowfall over the past 24 hours.
In North Kashmir, Razdan Pass, Sadhna Top, and Gurez experienced light snow, while Zojila Pass and the higher reaches of Sonamarg and Doodhpatri also saw light snowfall. Gulmarg Afarwat, Sinthan Top, and the higher reaches of Pahalgam also received light snowfall today.
Light rainfall was recorded over the plains of North and Central Kashmir, with mostly cloudy weather observed over South Kashmir. Currently, light snow continues over the upper reaches, and light rain is falling in North Kashmir. Light rain or snow is expected over the next 12 hours in some areas of Kashmir, he added.
Meanwhile, with the fresh snowfall in the hills, the plains of Kashmir have also been affected, signaling the arrival of winter. A cold wave has been reported throughout the day.
Kashmir is all set to witness the next few months of winter, and the preparations are already in place to tackle the challenges that come with the season.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
