On Tuesday, officials confirmed that light, intermittent snowfall continued to blanket the higher reaches of Kashmir, leading to the temporary closure of key routes in the valley’s upper regions. The season’s first snowfall, which began on Monday, persisted overnight, particularly affecting popular tourist spots like Gulmarg and Sonamarg and parts of Kupwara and Bandipora districts.

The snow caused significant disruptions, leading to the closure of the Srinagar-Leh national highway and other vital routes at higher altitudes. To address the situation, authorities, including the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), mobilized personnel and machinery early Tuesday morning to clear the snow. While the Srinagar-Leh highway was cleared for traffic, alternate routes, such as Mughal Road—which connects the Kashmir Valley with the Jammu region—and Sinthan Top, linking Bandipora with Gurez, remained closed due to snow accumulation.

As tourists flock to the valley to witness the season’s first snowfall, the weather conditions have posed challenges for locals and travellers. The Meteorological Department has forecast dry weather across the region until November 13. Still, light rain and snowfall are expected from November 14-15, particularly in the higher reaches of Kashmir and some areas of the Jammu division. On November 16, scattered light rain and snow are anticipated in higher altitude areas.

Authorities monitor road conditions closely, ensuring swift snow clearance to avoid prolonged disruptions. Despite the challenges posed by the early snowfall, the picturesque landscapes and the festive atmosphere in tourist destinations like Gulmarg and Sonamarg continue to draw large crowds eager to experience the beauty of Kashmir’s winter season.