Srinagar, Oct 14: Kashmir’s autumn landscape has turned sharply colder, with fresh snowfall blanketing the higher reaches and rain sweeping the plains as an active Western Disturbance brought a sudden change in weather across Jammu & Kashmir, sending daytime temperatures tumbling and prompting the Meteorological Department to forecast another day of unsettled conditions.
From Gulmarg and Sonamarg to Gurez, Razdan Pass, Zojila, Sadhna Top and Sinthan Top, the higher reaches witnessed fresh snowfall, while Srinagar and other parts of the Valley received rain. Snowfall was also reported around Affarwat Peak and the upper reaches near Harmukh Peak, signalling the arrival of colder conditions in the mountains.
The rainfall figures available on Wednesday showed Gulmarg receiving 8 mm of rain and Kupwara 6 mm. The precipitation brought a marked chill to the Valley, with Pahalgam recording a maximum temperature of 14.2 degrees Celsius, 5.4 degrees below normal, while Gulmarg recorded 11.8 degrees Celsius.
Director Meteorological Centre Srinagar Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said: “The weather would remain generally cloudy on October 14 and 15, with light to moderate rain at many places and light snowfall over the higher reaches.”
The forecast also warns of thunderstorms, gusty winds and isolated hailstorms, particularly during the late afternoon, night and early morning hours. Light snowfall is possible over important mountain passes, roads and highways, where changing conditions could affect travel.
Independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif also indicated that the Western Disturbance affecting Jammu and Kashmir between October 14 and 15 could bring light to moderate rain and snowfall across most parts of the Union Territory. Earlier assessments by Kashmir Weather suggested that north Kashmir could experience the main impact, although parts of central and south Kashmir were also likely to receive precipitation.
The latest spell follows an unusually warm start to October, when Srinagar recorded 31.2 degrees Celsius on October 4, its second-highest October maximum temperature on record, while Qazigund registered 31.4 degrees Celsius, setting a new October record. The contrast between that warmth and Wednesday’s cold, wet conditions has made the seasonal transition particularly pronounced.
The relief from the wet weather, however, may not be far away. According to Dr Mukhtar Ahmad’s forecast, October 16 is likely to remain generally dry, although a brief spell of light rain cannot be ruled out at isolated places. Predominantly dry weather is expected from October 17 to 24, offering a window for farmers to resume outdoor work and for travellers to plan journeys with fewer weather-related disruptions.
The department has also indicated another possible change in weather between October 25 and 27, when generally cloudy conditions, light rain at scattered places and light snowfall over the higher reaches are likely. Gusty winds may occur at a few places during that period. With the current spell coinciding with the harvesting season, the Meteorological Centre has advised farmers to ensure the safe storage of harvested apples, paddy and other crops during October 14 and 15 to minimise possible losses from rain, hail and strong winds.
Travellers and transporters have been urged to exercise caution on mountain routes, check the latest road advisories and avoid relying on unverified information about road conditions. For now, the fresh snow has brought a wintry edge to Kashmir’s mountains, while rain has cooled the plains. If the forecast dry spell materialises, the Valley could see a brief return to clearer autumn days before the next weather system approaches later in the month.
