Videos: Kashmir turns white as season's first snowfall ends dry run

Several parts of Kashmir received the first snowfall of the season on the opening day of Chillai Kalan (big cold), the 40-day harshest winter period, bringing long-awaited relief and a sense of renewal after months of unusually dry weather.

Snowfall was reported from the Gurez valley, Warwan valley and the higher reaches of south and north Kashmir, including Sinthan Top, Razdan Pass, Sadhna Top, Zojila, Sonmarg, and Gulmarg. Fresh snow was also recorded in Drass and parts of Kargil district, marking a widespread wet spell across the mountainous belt of the region.

In Poonch, the rapid snowfall also resulted in the temporary closure of the Mughal Road at Pir Gali. In Sonmarg, the snowfall has led to the slippery condition of roads, and the local administration has asked commuters to exercise caution. Many vehicles on Sunday got stuck on the Sonmarg Gumri road due to the icy conditions. The police helped the drivers of the stranded vehicles.

At present, vehicles fitted with chains are only permitted towards Gulmarg or any other tourist areas.

Meanwhile, for residents, the snowfall came as a huge respite after one of the harshest dry spells in recent memory. Kashmir has witnessed nearly two months without significant rain or snow, intensifying dry cold conditions and triggering concern over rapidly depleting water sources.

The first snowfall of the season has also excited the tourists. Talking to India Today, a 27-year-old man who witnessed the snowfall in Gulmarg, said, "I have visited 12 countries in my life; however, nowhere have I got the feeling that I got here." Another tourist, who saw snowfall for the first time, said, "For the first time in my life, I am experiencing snowfall, and it feels amazing."

IMD FORECASTS SNOWFALL ACROSS JAMMU AND KASHMIR

The India Meteorological Department has forecast moderate to heavy snowfall in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, with activity expected to intensify over the next two days. Officials said the precipitation is likely to turn more widespread, particularly in higher reaches, and could continue intermittently through December 22.

The wet spell is expected to ease the severe dry cold gripping Kashmir and help replenish glaciers, streams and springs that had begun to shrink alarmingly. It has also revived cautious optimism in the tourism sector, which had been hit by the absence of snow during what is typically the peak winter season.

CM OMAR ABDULLAH REVIEWS WINTER PREPAREDNESS

Amid the changing weather, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday chaired a review meeting on winter preparedness covering both the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu region. He said all arrangements were in place to tackle heavy snowfall, though their effectiveness would only be tested once the weather system fully sets in.

“I reviewed preparedness in both divisions, especially areas where snowfall is expected, all districts in the Valley and the higher reaches of Jammu. Preparations have been finalised, but the real test will come once it begins to snow,” Abdullah told reporters.

Acknowledging that snowfall may cause hardships, he said the region had been eagerly awaiting it after the prolonged dry spell. “The snowfall will clear the air, mitigate pollution and kick off the winter tourism season,” he said.

ROADS, POWER, HEALTHCARE IN FOCUS

The chief minister said the administration’s winter response would be judged on three critical parameters: timely road clearance, uninterrupted electricity supply and availability of drinking water. He directed departments to ensure the advance deployment of manpower and machinery and to adopt a pre-emptive rather than reactive approach.

Reviewing the power sector, Abdullah ordered strict monitoring of transformer oil availability and cautioned against pilferage. He also stressed the timely use of distribution transformer buffer stock to minimise outages.

On healthcare preparedness, he called for optimal deployment of 4x4 ambulances in the most inaccessible areas, while using chain-fitted ambulances elsewhere. In Srinagar, he directed advance placement of mobile de-watering pumps in waterlogging-prone areas and raised concerns over passenger facilities at the airport during weather-related flight disruptions.

WATER CRISIS DEEPENS AMID DRY WEATHER

The prolonged absence of precipitation had pushed Kashmir into a water stress situation, with rivers, waterfalls and natural springs recording significantly reduced flow. Several areas reported drying water bodies, prompting authorities to regulate water discharge to conserve supplies.

Government departments have begun rationing water in parts of the valley to ensure availability for essential needs, including drinking water, irrigation and the protection of aquatic life.

CLIMATE CHANGE ALTERING KASHMIR'S WEATHER PATTERNS

Weather experts and environmental observers attribute the erratic conditions to the growing impact of climate change on Kashmir’s traditionally stable weather systems. In recent years, the region has recorded extreme variations — from intense rainfall over short periods to drought-like spells, unusually hot summers, and prolonged dry cold winters.

“These shifts are no longer anomalies,” experts warn, pointing to climate change as the key driver behind the disruption of Kashmir’s natural hydrological cycle.

While the current spell of rain and snow is expected to provide temporary relief, specialists caution that long-term solutions are essential. They have called for a comprehensive water conservation strategy, combining immediate measures with long-term scientific planning, to safeguard the valley against future climate shocks.