Snow blankets higher reaches, rain in plains for day 2

By Irfan Yattoo
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08 Oct 2025

Srinagar, Oct 07: Light to moderate snowfall continued in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, while plains received moderate rainfall. The Meteorological Department has predicted improvement in weather conditions from Wednesday. Following the light snowfall, authorities closed the Srinagar-Leh highway, Mughal road, Sinthan Top, Karnah, and Machil routes due to snow accumulation, leaving several vehicles stranded. Director MeT Srinagar, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, said as forecasted, widespread rains in plains and light to moderate snowfall was witnessed in higher reaches. “We are expecting overall improvement in weather from October 8. During the past 24 hours, several areas received significant rainfall: Udhampur 100.2 mm, Batote 98.2 mm; Doda 86 mm, Bhaderwah 77 mm, Banihal 75.8 mm, Qazigund 70 mm, Kukernag 68.9 mm, Ramban 68.5 mm, and Pahalgam 52.6 mm,” he said. He said again, there is a forecast of light to moderate snowfall ranging from 2 to 8 inches was recorded in many higher reaches only. “On October 7, light rain and snow occurred at scattered places till afternoon, followed by gradual improvement. Weather will remain generally dry from October 9 to 17,” he said. The MeT advised farmers to resume agricultural activities from October 8 and remain cautious of landslides and shooting stones in vulnerable areas. According to MeT data, Gulmarg recorded 4 inches of snow, Sinthan Top 2–3 inches, Razdan Top 8–10 inches, Peer Ki Gali 3 inches, Z-Gali 8 inches, Baltal-Pahalgam 4 inches, and Sonamarg around 4 inches. The upper reaches of Bandipora, including Gurez, Tulail, and Kanzalwan, were also covered under a blanket of snow. Snowfall was also reported from the upper reaches of Doda, Ramban, Kishtwar, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch districts. Officials advised people to avoid travel until roads are cleared. The pilgrimage to the Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi and Machail Mata in Kishtwar remained suspended for the third consecutive day due to inclement weather. Both are expected to resume on Wednesday. Schools across the Jammu division remained closed for the second day. As per MeT data, there was significant drop in temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir on October 7, with most stations reporting below-normal readings. In Srinagar, the maximum temperature settled at 16.1°C, nearly 9°C below normal, while Qazigund and Pahalgam recorded 15.4°C and 12.1°C, respectively. Gulmarg remained the coldest at 4.4°C, about 12°C below normal. Kupwara and Kokernag also witnessed sharp declines with maximums of 15.4°C and 13.2°C, respectively. Minimum temperatures ranged between 0.6°C in Pahalgam and 7.1°C in Srinagar. Rainfall during the past 24 hours was highest at Pahalgam (52.6 mm), followed by Kukernag (68.9 mm), Qazigund (70.4 mm), and Kupwara (22.7 mm). Relative humidity across these stations remained high, ranging from 85% to 100% in the morning hours. In the Jammu division, temperatures also remained below seasonal averages. Jammu city recorded a maximum of 27.2°C, five degrees below normal, and a minimum of 15°C, six degrees below normal. Banihal, Batote, Katra, and Bhaderwah continued to receive moderate rainfall—75.8 mm, 98.2 mm, 44.2 mm, and 77.1 mm, respectively—accompanied by dense cloud cover and high humidity levels. Gulmarg and Pahalgam reported traces of snow, while other higher reaches, including Banihal and Batote, remained cold and wet. Meanwhile traffic on 270 Kilometres Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was suspended due to multiple landslides and shooting stones between Udhampur and Banihal. Road clearance operations were underway, and traffic was expected to be restored by late afternoon. The Srinagar-Leh National Highway and Mughal and Sinthan roads also remained closed due to snow accumulation. Zojila Pass recorded around six inches of snowfall, while Peer Ki Gali along the Mughal Road received about three inches.