Fresh Snowfall Blankets Chenab Valley, Ushering in Winter Chill

DODA, Dec 28 – Higher as well as lower reaches of the Chenab Valley in Jammu and Kashmir experienced fresh snowfall on late Friday evening, as a western disturbance swept across the region. Districts such as Doda, Ramban, and Kishtwar recorded heavy snowfall, leading to a significant drop in temperatures and marking the onset of intense winter conditions.

Speaking to The Chenab Times, locals said that the snow-covered landscapes have brought much-needed relief to residents and tourists, who are reveling in the season’s first snowfall. Despite the beauty of the winter scenery, the inclement weather has created logistical challenges, including disruptions to road connectivity.

Snowfall has also been reported in other parts of the Jammu region and Kashmir Valley. The Srinagar-Leh Highway and the Mughal Road remain closed due to heavy snow accumulation, the authorities said.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that under the influence of the western disturbance, light snowfall is expected to continue over middle and higher altitudes of the Chenab Valley and the Pir Panjal range. With temperatures across the valley dipping several degrees below freezing, the region has entered a prolonged cold spell.

In Ramban, Banihal, Doda, Bhaderwah, Thathri, Bhalessa, Chatroo and Kishtwar, locals have reported freezing water pipes and icy roads, adding to the challenges posed by the plummeting temperatures. The situation is reflective of the larger weather pattern gripping the Kashmir Valley, where the harsh 40-day “Chillai-Kalan” period is currently underway.

Elsewhere, the famous ski resorts of Gulmarg and Pahalgam have also recorded significant snowfall, drawing tourists from across the country. Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, witnessed its season’s first snowfall, transforming the city into a winter wonderland.

While picturesque, the severe cold has led to the freezing of water bodies, including parts of the Dal Lake, and caused disruptions in daily life. Srinagar recorded a low of minus 7.3 degrees Celsius, while other areas such as Pahalgam and Kupwara logged lows of minus 8 degrees Celsius and minus 6.4 degrees Celsius, respectively.

The MeT Department has predicted dry weather from December 29 to 31, with light snowfall expected at isolated locations in Kashmir between January 1 and 5. Temperatures are likely to rise slightly through the coming week, but the cold conditions associated with “Chillai-Kalan” will persist until the end of January.

Residents of the Chenab Valley are bracing for a challenging winter, balancing the hardships of daily life with the scenic beauty of snow-covered mountains.

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Anzer Ayoob

Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times