Early snowfall brings cheer to tourists; chilly weather sets in across Kashmir

An early spell of snowfall in Kashmir valley’s upper reaches, including tourist places, on Monday (October 6, 2025) sparked a cheer among tourists. 

Scores of tourists were seen enjoying at Gulmarg’s meadow Kongdoori in north Kashmir after the season’s first snowfall. Kongdoori was covered with a layer of snowfall in the past 24 hours. Surprised by the untimely snowfall, several tourists were seen frolicking with families and friends in the snow. 

A spell of snowfall was also recorded on the mountain ranges surrounding another tourist destination of Sonamarg in central Kashmir.  

An unusual chill has gripped the Kashmir valley in the past 24 hours, with day temperature dropping from 30 degrees Celsius to 12.5 degrees Celsius on Monday. “January-like conditions for Kupwara and Bhaderwah as the temperatures stayed 16.0°C below normal,” Faizan Arif, who runs an independent weather forecast handle on social media, said.

The winter capital of J&K, Jammu, has also seen a drop in the maximum temperature to 21.3 degrees Celsius, a departure of 11.1 degrees Celsius, Mr. Arif said.

Most of the mountain ranges in the Kashmir valley received a spell of snowfall in the past 24 hours. In south Kashmir’s Kokernag, officials issued a weather advisory following continuous snowfall and adverse conditions in higher reaches such as Sinthan Top and Margan Top, in the wake of snowfall.

“Vehicular movement towards Daksum-Sinthan Top and Gawran-Margan Top shall only be allowed after road clearance by the concerned departments and assessment of road conditions,” officials said.

The drivers were instructed to carry proper safety equipment, including snow skid chains. The advisory also discouraged heavy vehicles and non-essential travel until the weather improves.

Wet weather to continue

According to the Meteorological (MeT) department, wet weather will continue in J&K till forenoon of October 7, Tuesday. “There is a possibility of moderate snowfall in upper reaches of north Kashmir and moderate to heavy snowfall in upper reaches of south Kashmir during this period. This increases the chances of landslides and shooting stones,” Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the MeT, said.

Mr. Ahmad said there is indication of departure from the maximum temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius recorded in Kashmir till recently to around 25 degrees Celsius in coming days. “Because of snowfall, there is a chilly effect. The MeT urged locals to “remain vigilant and take necessary precautions”.