Kashmir’s Upper Reaches Receive Fresh Snowfall — IMD Predicts More Rain and Snow Till October 7

Kashmir’s Upper Reaches Receive Fresh Snowfall; More Expected Till October 7

By: Javid Amin | 05 October 2025

The First White Blanket of the Season

The mountains of Kashmir woke up under a fresh white blanket this weekend as snowflakes descended on the upper reaches of Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Gurez, and the Pir Panjal range. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that this was the season’s first significant snowfall, setting an early tone for winter across the Himalayan region.

In places like Affarwat in Gulmarg, snow accumulated several inches deep, while Zojila and Razdan Top turned into picturesque snow corridors. The cold winds sweeping through the valley carried both a chill and a sense of nostalgia — a reminder that autumn’s golden hues are giving way to winter’s silver silence.

IMD Weather Forecast: Rain and Snow Till October 7

The IMD’s latest advisory has attributed the current weather activity to a strong western disturbance moving across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The system, which entered from the northwestern side of the Himalayas, is expected to remain active till October 7, bringing widespread rain, snow, and gusty winds.

Forecast Highlights:

• Moderate to Heavy Snowfall: Expected in high-altitude areas above 8,000 feet including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Kupwara, and Gurez.

• Rainfall: Light to moderate rain likely in plains including Srinagar, Baramulla, Pulwama, and Anantnag.

• Temperature Drop: Day temperatures may dip by 4–6°C, marking one of the sharpest early-season declines in recent years.

• Travel Disruptions: Temporary closures are possible along Mughal Road, Srinagar–Leh highway, and Zojila Pass due to snow accumulation and slippery conditions.

IMD officials cautioned that hilly terrain and avalanche-prone areas might experience road blockages, while air traffic could face visibility-related delays.

Tourism Impact: Snow Awakens Kashmir’s Travel Pulse

If the first snowfall has caused logistical challenges, it has also reignited Kashmir’s tourism buzz. Travel agencies report a noticeable increase in queries from domestic travelers seeking early snow experiences.

“The early snowfall has revived interest in October travel,” said Javid Amin, founder of JKL Travels, a Srinagar-based travel company. “We’re curating short escapes for couples and families looking to experience Kashmir’s autumn-winter crossover. This time of the year is truly magical — saffron fields below and snow peaks above.”

Popular Destinations Witness a Surge:

• Gulmarg: Famous for its ski slopes and cable car rides, the resort town witnessed the first major tourist influx of the post-summer season.

• Sonamarg: Known as the “Meadow of Gold,” Sonamarg now wears a silver-white coat, attracting photographers and trekkers.

• Pahalgam: While lower regions received rain, nearby peaks like Aru and Betaab Valley glistened under a thin sheet of snow.

Local hotels and guesthouses reported occupancy surges of 25–30% over the weekend. Social media platforms were flooded with posts tagged #KashmirSnowfall, #GulmargDiaries, and #WinterIsHere — painting Kashmir as a trending destination yet again.

Travel & Safety Advisory for Tourists and Locals

While the snowfall adds charm, it also brings challenges. Authorities have urged both residents and visitors to remain cautious, especially those traveling through high-altitude roads or embarking on treks.

Do’s and Don’ts for Travelers:

✅ Check Road Conditions: Before heading to hill stations or remote passes, verify traffic updates from the J&K Traffic Police.
✅ Carry Winter Essentials: Warm clothing, boots, gloves, and thermals are a must — temperatures in upper valleys may fall below zero.
✅ Avoid Night Travel: Reduced visibility and black ice can make driving treacherous after dark.
✅ Keep Emergency Supplies: Power outages and road closures may last several hours; stock food, water, and fuel.

The Disaster Management Authority has also activated control rooms to monitor weather-related incidents, particularly landslides along the Ramban–Banihal stretch.

Farmers’ Advisory: Secure Crops Before Frost

The snowfall, though scenic, poses a serious challenge for Kashmir’s farming community. With apple harvesting still underway in parts of Shopian, Kulgam, and Baramulla, the MeT Department has advised farmers to complete picking and secure produce before further weather deterioration.

• Late-harvest crops, including paddy and maize, are at risk of frost damage.

• Farmers are urged to drain excess water from orchards to prevent root rot.

• Temporary coverings or polythene sheets should be used to shield fruits from frost overnight.

According to agricultural officers, the coming week is crucial for safeguarding produce — especially given how sudden temperature drops can affect both crop yield and quality.

Ecological Significance: Nature’s Reset Button

Beyond tourism and travel, this early snowfall has ecological importance for the Himalayan region. Meteorologists see it as part of the natural recharge cycle that replenishes glaciers and water reserves feeding Kashmir’s rivers and lakes.

Environmental experts note that the timing of this snowfall — slightly earlier than average — is a mixed signal:

• It replenishes water tables and supports hydropower generation for the coming year.

• However, erratic weather patterns hint at climate instability — fluctuating between drought-like conditions in summer and sudden cold waves in autumn.

“Western disturbances are becoming more frequent and unpredictable,” said an IMD climatologist. “This impacts agriculture, tourism, and even urban planning in Himalayan states.”

Local Sentiments: Between Nostalgia and Necessity

For Kashmiris, the first snowfall is not just a weather event — it’s a seasonal emotion. It marks the time to pull out the traditional pherans, stack firewood, and prepare for the long winter ahead.

In Srinagar’s old quarters, tea stalls buzz with conversations about the snow in Gulmarg and the coming chill. Youngsters see it as an opportunity for Instagram-worthy landscapes, while elders recall winters when snowfall began only in late November.

Meanwhile, shikaras on Dal Lake glide under misty skies, and the city’s saffron fields in Pampore brace for an early frost — a poetic reminder of Kashmir’s eternal dance between beauty and endurance.

Infrastructure and Connectivity Concerns

The snowfall also puts Kashmir’s fragile infrastructure to test. Despite several Smart City initiatives, Srinagar continues to face challenges related to drainage, power, and road maintenance during bad weather.

• Power Outages: The Power Development Department (PDD) has warned of potential disruptions in remote districts like Kupwara, Gurez, and Kishtwar.

• Blocked Highways: The Border Roads Organization (BRO) has deployed snow clearance teams along major routes, especially Zojila and Mughal Road.

• Flight Delays: Operations at Srinagar International Airport may face short-term visibility disruptions.

Officials have assured that snow clearance machinery and salt stockpiles are ready, though unpredictable intensity can still cause brief halts in connectivity.

Climate Context: Kashmir in a Changing Weather Pattern

Climate scientists have long warned that Western Disturbances, while natural, are now increasing in frequency and intensity due to global climate change. In the past two decades, Kashmir has witnessed both:

• Unseasonal rain and snow, affecting agriculture and tourism

• Extended dry spells, leading to reduced snowfall and declining water levels in lakes like Dal and Wular

IMD’s recent data shows a 10–15% shift in precipitation patterns across the western Himalayas. Experts believe that climate adaptation measures — such as improved drainage, green infrastructure, and sustainable tourism — are vital for balancing development with nature’s cycles.

The Beauty Beneath the Chill

As the cold winds sweep across the valley, Kashmir once again stands as a paradox — breathtakingly beautiful, yet environmentally fragile. The fresh snowfall, while enchanting, reminds residents and policymakers alike that weather is no longer predictable.

The next few days, as the IMD predicts continued rain and snow, will test both the region’s preparedness and resilience. For now, the Pir Panjal stands white, Dal Lake glistens under mist, and Kashmir whispers the first verses of its long winter tale.

Quick Weather Summary (October 4–7, 2025)

Final Word:
The season’s first snowfall in Kashmir isn’t merely about weather — it’s a story of transition, resilience, and renewal. Whether you’re a traveler chasing snowflakes or a local preparing for the chill, one truth remains — in Kashmir, every flake of snow carries a tale, and every winter begins with a whisper of wonder.