Srinagar- Snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir was recorded at multiple places on Tuesday, bringing a chill across the region, while weather conditions improved from the afternoon, officials said.

High-altitude areas including Kokernag, Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Sadhna Top, Karnah, Sinthan Top, and Pir Ki Gali witnessed fresh snowfall, leading to a further dip in daytime temperatures. Srinagar recorded a maximum of 16.1°C, about 9.4°C below normal, while Pahalgam saw 12.1°C, and Kokernag 13.2°C. In Jammu division, Banihal recorded 16.8°C, Jammu 27.2°C, and Bhaderwah 13.4°C.

The Meteorological Department reported heavy rainfall in several districts over the past 24 hours, with Udhampur receiving 100.2 mm, Batote 98.2 mm, and Doda 86 mm.

The weather department predicted an overall improvement from Wednesday with no rain or snowfall expected over the next fortnight.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of Meteorology, forecast generally dry weather expected from October 9 to 17.

Traffic on Tuesday remained suspended on the Jammu-Srinagar and Srinagar-Leh national highways, after multiple landslides and snow accumulation in the higher reaches triggered by heavy overnight rainfall.
Officials said that the wet weather led to a sharp drop in temperatures and widespread disruption of normal life.

A traffic department official said the 270-km Jammu-Srinagar National Highway - the only all-weather road connecting the Valley with the rest of the country - was closed for vehicular movement due to landslides and shooting stones at several locations between Udhampur and Banihal.

“Road clearance agencies have been pressed into service to make the road trafficable at the earliest. Efforts are on to clear the debris, and we are hopeful of restoring traffic by late afternoon,” the official said. Vehicles bound for Srinagar were stopped at Nagrota in Jammu.

Traffic on the arterial highway has been regulated alternately from Srinagar and Jammu due to ongoing repair work after the road suffered extensive damage during record rainfall in August and September. Traffic was scheduled to ply from Jammu to Srinagar on Tuesday.

The 434-km Srinagar-Leh National Highway and the Mughal and Sinthan Top roads - alternative routes connecting the Valley with the rest of the country - were also closed due to snow accumulation, the official added.“People are advised not to travel until the roads are fully restored,” he said.

MENAFN07102025000215011059ID1110164824