As winter tightens its grip, several areas in Kashmir woke up to a white blanket of snow on Thursday morning.
Light snowfall was observed in some plains during the early hours of the morning, while the higher reaches experienced heavy accumulation.
The change in weather has brought both joy and challenges to residents, with picturesque landscapes contrasting with potential travel disruptions.
In terms of accumulation, the higher altitudes recorded significant snowfall. Zojila received over 10 inches, while Sonamarg witnessed 8–10 inches of fresh snow.
Plains in districts like Budgam and Kupwara saw moderate snowfall, with Khan Sahib and Hachmarg recording 2 inches each. Meanwhile, light snow graced the plains of Bandipora and Vailoo in Kokernag, offering a subtle winter charm.
The Rajpora tehsil in Pulwama district saw varying levels of snowfall. Sangerwani reported the highest accumulation with 4 inches, followed by Abhama with 3.5–4 inches and Achgoza with 3 inches. Areas like Drabgam, Rajpora, Shadimarg, and Rahmoo recorded only trace amounts of snowfall.
Meteorological predictions suggest that the weather will remain generally cloudy over the next 12 hours, with isolated spells of rain or snow in some areas.
However, no major weather activity is expected during this period. From tomorrow onwards, a week of predominantly dry weather is anticipated, providing a respite to the region.
The snowfall has brought smiles to the faces of locals, especially in tourist hubs like Sonamarg and Zojila, where the winter wonderland is attracting visitors.
Beyond its beauty, the snowfall carries significant importance for agriculture in Kashmir, which sustains nearly 75 percent of the population.
After last year’s prolonged dry spell, the snow is expected to replenish vital water resources and ensure better soil moisture for the upcoming agricultural season.
For a region heavily reliant on farming, this snowfall is a welcome relief, promising hope for a more stable year ahead.
Residents and authorities, however, are urged to remain cautious about slippery roads and potential disruptions in higher altitudes.