Winter’s First Call: Snowfall in upper reaches, rains in plains
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By Irfan Yattoo
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06 Oct 2025
Temperatures plunge across region, bringing Jan-like chill
Kupwara, Bhaderwah record coldest day in months
Wet spell to continue till late evening today
Traffic advisory issued across J&K
Srinagar, Oct 6: Jammu and Kashmir witnessed the season’s first snowfall in higher reaches on Monday, while the plains were hit by intermittent rains, causing temperatures to fall sharply and bringing winter-like conditions across the region.
Fresh snowfall was reported from Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pir Ki Gali, Sinthan Top, Razdan Pass, Sadhna Top, Daksum, Kongdori, and parts of Kishtwar, Kupwara, and Bandipora. The plains, experienced moderate to heavy rainfall, causing waterlogging and slippery roads, especially in hilly areas.
Director of the Meteorological Department (MeT), Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, said widespread rain and snow are likely to continue till Tuesday forenoon or afternoon, with improvement expected thereafter. “Kupwara and Bhaderwah recorded January-like conditions today, with temperatures falling 16 degrees below normal,” he said.
According to the MeT, Srinagar recorded 12.5°C (13°C below normal), Kupwara 10.8°C (16°C below normal), Pahalgam 9.2°C, Kokernag 12.1°C, and Gulmarg 4.4°C (12.1°C below normal). In Jammu division, Bhaderwah recorded 10°C (16.1°C below normal), Banihal 11.2°C, Batote 12.6°C, and Katra 18°C.
The MeT issued a weather advisory, warning farmers to suspend outdoor activities on October 6–7. Residents were cautioned about landslides, shooting stones, and flash floods in vulnerable areas.
Light to moderate snowfall is expected over higher reaches of Kashmir Division, Chenab Valley, and Pir Panjal Range, with moderate to heavy snow in some higher areas of south Kashmir and Chenab Valley. A brief spell of light rain is expected on October 8, and generally dry weather is forecast from October 9 to 16.
The Traffic Police Headquarters, J&K, issued a detailed advisory for October 7. The Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) has not been fully restored at Tharad, Udhampur.
A traffic police spokesman said traffic is running on a single lane due to vehicle breakdowns and movement of nomadic flocks. Goods carriers transporting perishable items and livestock have been advised to follow advisory instructions. Limited movement of LMVs from Jammu to Srinagar is allowed from Nagrota between 7 am and 10 am, while no LMVs are permitted from Srinagar towards Jammu, he said.
The Spokesman said that Mughal Road is open for LMVs both ways, subject to road conditions. Only six-tyre HMVs carrying essential goods are allowed from Poonch towards Shopian.
"Kishtwar–Sinthan–Anantnag NH-244 remains closed due to fresh snowfall. Traffic on SSG Road (Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumari) is regulated, with LMVs followed by HMVs allowed at specific times. Security forces convoys are advised to follow the traffic plan."
Meanwhile, authorities urged travellers to check road conditions before travel and advised residents to stay away from rivers, nallahs, flood-prone, and low-lying areas, and avoid unnecessary travel during the wet spell.
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