A view of the first snowfall in the higher reaches of Kashmir valley at world's best ski resort Gulmarg in north Kashmir's Baramulla district , including Mughal Road and Zojila mountains
© Mohammad Amin WarA view of the first snowfall in the higher reaches of Kashmir valley at world's best ski resort Gulmarg in north Kashmir's Baramulla district , including Mughal Road and Zojila mountains.
Season's first snowfall on the hills in Kashmir and rain in the plains of Jammu on Thursday has plummeted the mercury across the union territory (UT). Many roads have been shut due to snow and slippery conditions.

The UT of Ladakh has also witnessed heavy snowfall resulting in suspension of vehicular traffic on the Srinagar - Leh highway.

Tourist destinations of Gulmarg and Sonamarg in the Kashmir valley wore a white blanket of snow. Gulmarg recorded minus 2 degrees Celsius temperature.

The Mughal Road, which provides an alternative route to the Kashmir valley from the Jammu division, was closed due to heavy snowfall. About 2 feet of snow was recorded at Pir Ki Gali (Pir Panjal Pass).



ADGP Ladakh advised that the khardungla Pass, Changla pass and other upper reaches received heavy snowfall. Commuters should avoid plying on these roads to avoid accidents. Tyre chains is a must even for 4×4 vehicles.


The MeT department has predicted "Light to moderate rain in the plains and snowfall in the higher reaches of J&K during the next 24 hours."

Snowfall has also been reported in north Kashmir's Gurez Valley.

Srinagar recorded 6.4 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam 3.2 and Gulmarg minus 2 degrees Celsius as the minimum temperature.

Drass town in Ladakh region had minus 0.9 degrees Celsius, Kargil 0.2 and Leh minus 3 degrees Celsius as the minimum temperature.