Fresh Snowfall Blankets Higher Reaches of Kashmir After Western Disturbance

Snowfall and Rain

Several areas in the higher reaches of Kashmir received fresh light to moderate snowfall overnight due to an active western disturbance. Pahalgam tourist resort in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, along with Gulmarg and Sonamarg, experienced this snowfall. Other places like the Zojilla Axis, Razdan Top, and Tulail in north Kashmir's Gurez also saw intermittent snow continue for the second day. Meanwhile, the plains of the valley, including Srinagar, were lashed by overnight rains before morning sunshine appeared.

Weather Forecast

The meteorological department has forecast a wet spell over the next 24 hours. There is a possibility of light to moderate rain and light snow in higher reaches, along with thunder, gusty winds, and hailstorms at isolated places till Thursday. The weather will turn generally dry with a brief spell of light rain at isolated places on October 16, and remain generally dry till October 24.

Context

Western disturbances are weather systems originating from the Mediterranean region that bring sudden rain and snow to the Indian subcontinent's northern parts. Such changes in autumn are common in mountain regions like Jammu and Kashmir, where higher altitudes experience snow while lower plains receive rain.