Doda (Jammu and Kashmir): The higher reaches of Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir witnessed the season’s first snowfall on Thursday, while fresh snow covered Gurez Valley in Bandipora district and Pir Ki Gali in the Pir Panjal Range, triggering a sharp drop in temperatures across the region.
In Doda, snowfall accompanied by overcast skies transformed the mountainous terrain, signalling the onset of winter-like conditions in the upper reaches.
In north Kashmir’s Gurez Valley, fresh snowfall blanketed the region in white. Around two inches of snow accumulated in the plains, while the higher reaches recorded between four and five inches.
Dawar, Tulail, Bagtore, Tragbal, and Razdan Top also received fresh snowfall, transforming the region's landscape.
Following the snowfall at Razdan Top and other elevated areas, authorities closed the 85-km-long Bandipora-Gurez road to vehicular traffic.
Fresh snowfall, falling temperatures, and slippery road conditions have raised concerns about commuter safety. Travellers have been advised to follow official weather and traffic advisories and avoid the route until authorities confirm that vehicular movement has resumed.
Meanwhile, the Border Roads Organisation’s 79 Road Construction Company (RCC) launched snow-clearing operations at Pir Ki Gali following the season’s first snowfall in the Pir Panjal Range. The operation aims to restore traffic movement along the route connecting Poonch with Kashmir.
In Himachal Pradesh, fresh snowfall in the Dhauladhar mountain range and persistent rainfall in Dharamshala have sharply dropped temperatures, leaving tourists and residents struggling with an unexpected spell of cold weather.
Dharamshala recorded a minimum temperature of 6 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature hovered around 11 degrees Celsius, prompting residents and tourists to seek warmer clothing.
The sudden weather change caught several visitors off guard. Madhav and Vishvas, who travelled to Dharamshala from Ludhiana in Punjab, told ANI they hadn't expected such cold.
“We were not aware that the weather would be so cold here. We never expected such conditions. The shops are still closed, and we are shivering while waiting for them to open. We will have to buy some warm clothes, which will certainly disturb our budget,” they said.
(With inputs from ANI)