Fresh Snowfall Covers J&K Mountain Passes, Gulmarg Welcomes Winter Magic

October 14, 2026

Srinagar: Several high-altitude areas in Jammu and Kashmir have received the season’s first snowfall in the past 24 hours. The Meteorological Department has predicted continued bad weather for the next 24 hours. In addition to the ski resort of Gulmarg, Zojila Pass, Razdan Pass, Sinthan Top, and several other mountainous areas also recorded the season’s first snowfall.

Tourists were thrilled after the fresh snowfall in Gulmarg on Tuesday. Tourists said the beauty and grandeur of Kashmir exceeded their expectations. Some young people said they had witnessed real snowfall outside a cinema hall for the first time in their lives. Tourists were seen playing snowballs and dancing in the snow-covered valleys. The fresh snowfall covered the entire tourist destination in a blanket of white.

Weather expected to improve from October 15

The Meteorological Department has predicted rain and snowfall in the next 24 hours. However, the weather is expected to improve from the afternoon of October 15th. After this, the weather in the Union Territory is expected to remain generally dry for the next 10 days.

Snowfall in the mountains and rain in the plains caused the maximum temperature in Srinagar to drop to 20 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. Pahalgam recorded a maximum temperature of 14.2 degrees Celsius and Gulmarg 11.8 degrees Celsius.

Advisory issued for farmers and tourists

The Meteorological Department has advised farmers and apple growers to keep their harvested crops and apple produce safe. Thunderstorms, strong winds, rain, and snowfall are expected in high altitude areas until October 15th.

Travelers and tourists have been advised to remain vigilant. Trekkers have been asked to avoid mountain treks until the weather improves.

Cold intensifies in Kashmir, preparations underway for Rabi sowing

With the drop in temperatures, people in Kashmir have started wearing warm clothing. Demand for the traditional woolen garment, the phiran, is also increasing.

The entire paddy crop in the valley has been harvested, and about 90 percent of the apple crop has also been harvested. Local farmers are now preparing to sow Rabi crops like oilseeds. The current rains have proven beneficial for farmers.

Fresh snowfall in the mountains and rain in the plains are expected to increase water levels in various springs, mountain rivers, lakes, and wells. This could help maintain water availability during the coming winter months.