Srinagar and Baramulla Welcome Winter with First Snowfall of the Season, Attracting Tourists

Srinagar welcomes first snowfall

The picturesque city of Srinagar, known for its serene landscapes and scenic beauty welcomed the winter season with its first snowfall of the year on Friday.As delicate snowflakes began to blanket the valley, the summer capital turned into a shimmering winter paradise.

The snow-covered roofs, the white dusting on the iconic houseboats of Dal Lake, and the snow-capped peaks of the surrounding mountains create a mesmerizing view that draws visitors from around the world.

As temperatures dip, the famed Kashmiri saffron fields and apple orchards lie dormant, preparing for the seasonal rest, while local markets begin to fill with winter essentials like Pashmina shawls, woollen garments, and the rich aroma of traditional Kashmiri food, including the popular Wazwan cuisine and hot Kahwa tea.

The winter season in Jammu and Kashmir also brings with it the allure of snow sports, with places like Gulmarg becoming a hub for skiers and snowboarders.

The landscape wears a thick white blanket, making it a dream destination for those who seek tranquillity amidst the pristine beauty of nature.

As Srinagar witnesses its first snowfall, it marks not just the start of winter, but a celebration of the region’s stunning beauty and the warmth of its people, who are always ready to share the joys of the season with visitors.

Meanwhile, the Baramulla district in the union territory also received a fresh spell of snowfall on Friday.The snow-capped mountains, along with the crisp, cool air, give the district a serene and tranquil atmosphere that draws visitors and photographers alike.

The pristine white scenery, especially in the rural areas and along the banks of the Jhelum River, offers a photographic contrast against the dark green of the pine forests.

Earlier on Tuesday, Bhaderwah, a serene town nestled in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir witnessed an influx of tourists, drawn by the region’s fresh snowfall.

Visitors could be seen joyfully playing in the snow, building snowmen, and soaking in the winter charm. To keep warm, they gathered around bonfires, sipping hot tea.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast isolated light rain and snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir until December 30, adding to the region’s allure for winter tourism.A yellow warning has also been issued for December 25, with a cold wave predicted across the area. (ANI)

Tourist Resort Pahalgam witnessed First Snowfall of the Season

First Snowfall of the Season

Several higher reaches of Kashmir received fresh snowfall on Saturday, even as the night temperatures across most places settled above freezing point due to overcast conditions, officials said. The snowfall occurred under the influence of a Western Disturbance, which brought the season’s first snowfall to some areas.

The tourist resort town of Pahalgam in Anantnag district witnessed its first snowfall of the season, much to the delight of visitors.Similarly, other tourist hotspots including the Gulmarg ski resort and the meadow of Sonamarg also recorded snowfall.

Snowfall was also reported from other higher reaches, including Gurez, Zojila axis, and several upper areas of the region.The snowfall on the Zojila axis led to the closure of the Srinagar-Leh highway, the primary road link connecting the Valley with Ladakh.

The Meteorological Department (MeT) had predicted cloudy weather with the possibility of light rain or snowfall at isolated or scattered places in the higher reaches of Kashmir on Saturday.On Sunday, the weather is expected to remain partly cloudy with light precipitation in some upper areas.

The MeT also predicted light rain or snow at scattered places in the higher reaches from December 2 to 3.From December 4 to 7, the weather is expected to stay generally dry, with a slight chance of light rain or snow in isolated areas on December 8.

Overcast skies led to a rise in night temperatures across Kashmir, with most places recording temperatures above freezing point.Srinagar recorded a low of 1 degree Celsius, up from the previous night’s -1 degree Celsius.

Pahalgam recorded the coldest temperature in the Valley at minus 1.5 degree Celsius, Kupwara registered a low of minus 3.4 degree Celsius, Gulmarg recorded 0.5 degree Celsius, Qazigund recorded -0.4 degree Celsius and Kokernag recorded 3 degree Celsius.

Despite the fresh snowfall, J&K experienced a significant rainfall deficit during November.J&K, along with Ladakh, recorded a 69 percent shortfall in rainfall for the month.According to the MeT, the normal rainfall for November is 35.3 mm, but only 10.9 mm was observed this year.

Kathua recorded 100 percent rainfall deficit, receiving no rainfall against a normal of 28 mm.Poonch registered a 98 percent shortfall.Budgam received 14.9 mm of rainfall against a normal of 30.1 mm, a 90 percent deficiency.Samba district emerged as an outlier, recording a 48 percent surplus with 12.5 mm of rainfall against a normal of 8.1 mm.

Kupwara also fared relatively better, recording a marginal 3 percent deficit with 48.1 mm of rainfall against a normal of 49.8 mm.Srinagar and Jammu districts experienced substantial rainfall deficits of 74 percent and 78 percent.This year, Kashmir experienced unusually high temperatures coupled with significant rainfall deficits, raising concerns over climatic variations in the region.

The snowfall brings much-needed relief but also highlights the challenges of erratic weather patterns.As Kashmir braces for harsher winter months, fresh snowfall has provided a picturesque start to the season while also posing challenges, including disruptions to road connectivity.

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