Winter tightened its grip on the hills of Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday as fresh snowfall covered large parts of the region, bringing both relief and disruption in its wake.
Kashmir Wakes Up to Snow
In Kashmir Valley, residents woke up to snow-covered rooftops, trees and roads. Popular areas such as Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam received fresh snowfall, while Srinagar saw light to moderate snow through the day. Movement slowed across the city as vehicles navigated slippery roads.
Many locals welcomed the snowfall, saying it was long-awaited. “This snow is good for our orchards and water sources,” said a shopkeeper in downtown Srinagar, adding that winters without snow have become a growing concern in recent years.
Flight Services Disrupted
Snowfall affected operations at Srinagar International Airport, where several flights were delayed or cancelled due to poor visibility and ongoing snow clearance. Airport authorities advised passengers to check flight updates before travelling.
Snowfall in Himachal Hill Towns
In Himachal Pradesh, hill towns including Shimla, Manali, Kufri and parts of Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti witnessed fresh snowfall. The snowfall led to a sharp drop in temperatures, with some areas recording near-freezing conditions.
Snow-covered roads caused problems for commuters, especially in higher-altitude regions. In several places, traffic moved slowly as road-clearing teams worked to keep key routes open.
Local administrations in Himachal deployed snow-clearing machinery and urged people to avoid unnecessary travel. Motorists were advised to drive cautiously, especially during early morning and night hours when icy conditions worsen.
Weather Pattern Behind the Snow
Officials from the weather department said the snowfall was due to an active western disturbance over the western Himalayan region. Cold conditions are expected to continue, and there may be more snowfall in higher reaches over the next day or two.
Tourists Make the Most of It
Despite travel disruptions, tourists were seen enjoying the snowfall in Manali and Gulmarg, clicking photographs and playing in fresh snow. Hotel operators said bookings remained steady, with many visitors keen to experience winter in the hills.
Authorities have advised both residents and tourists to stay alert, follow weather updates, and avoid risky travel as winter conditions continue across the region.
