Gulmarg: A fresh bout of snowfall covered Gulmarg and several other high-altitude areas of the Kashmir Valley on Thursday, while strong winds and heavy rain lashed the plains, officials confirmed.
The renowned hill resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district witnessed snowfall beginning late in the evening, triggered by an intense western disturbance moving across Jammu and Kashmir. By night, several inches of snow had accumulated, transforming the landscape into a winter spectacle. Moderate snowfall was still ongoing in the area at the time of the latest updates.
Similar weather conditions prevailed in other mountainous regions, with higher reaches of Kupwara, Baramulla, and Shopian districts also receiving fresh snow. The spell is expected to boost winter tourism and skiing activities, particularly in Gulmarg, which remains a major attraction during the snow season.
In contrast, low-lying areas, including Srinagar, experienced heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds. The downpour disrupted normal life in parts of the Valley, with reports of uprooted trees and precautionary power shutdowns in several localities to prevent accidents.
The Meteorological Department had earlier forecast widespread light to moderate rain and snowfall across the region, cautioning that isolated areas could witness intense precipitation. Authorities have advised residents and travellers to remain alert, especially in hilly terrain, where slippery roads and reduced visibility could pose risks.
Weather officials said the current system is likely to keep temperatures low over the next couple of days, prolonging cold conditions across the Valley.
