Kashmir snowfall: Gulmarg, Sonamarg get fresh snow Oct 14کشمیر

Officials said light to moderate snowfall was recorded in the higher reaches overnight, covering the popular tourist destinations of Gulmarg and Sonamarg, as well as the Zojila axis and Pahalgam. The season’s early snowfall is expected to draw attention to the region’s autumn tourism calendar, which traditionally peaks as the famous chinar trees turn gold and crimson.

Fresh snowfall was also reported from the Tulail region of the Gurez Valley and the Razdan Pass in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, officials said. Both are high-altitude areas that remain snowbound for much of the winter, and the early snow is seen as the first sign of the approaching winter season in the Valley.

<h2>Advisory for travellers and farmers</h2> Travellers have been advised to exercise caution and check the latest road conditions before beginning their journeys, particularly on mountain routes where snowfall and adverse weather could affect traffic. Transporters operating on higher reaches have been asked to remain alert, and people have been urged to follow official traffic advisories and take precautions during thunderstorms and gusty winds.

According to the forecast, light to moderate rain is likely at many places between October 13 and 15, while the higher reaches may receive light snowfall. Thunderstorms and hailstorms are also possible at isolated locations during this period, officials said.

The weather is expected to improve from October 16, although a brief spell of light rain cannot be ruled out at isolated places. Generally dry conditions are likely to prevail from October 17 to October 24, according to the forecast.

<h2>Apple harvest at a crucial stage</h2> In view of the expected weather conditions, farmers have been advised to ensure the safe storage of harvested apples, paddy and other crops during October 13 to 15 to minimise possible losses, as moisture and hailstorms can damage produce left in the open.

The timing is significant because the Valley&#8217;s apple harvest, one of the most important horticultural seasons of the year, is currently under way, and growers in many areas have still not moved their produce to safe storage.