Srinagar, November 13, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Fresh snowfall in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday shut several key mountain passes, while widespread rain and snow brought relief from a prolonged dry spell across the Valley.
The popular tourist destinations of Gulmarg and Sonamarg received fresh snowfall, covering their landscapes in a blanket of white and attracting the attention of visitors.
However, the weather disruption affected road connectivity, with several important mountain routes becoming snowbound and unsafe for travel. These included the Srinagar-Leh highway, Pir Ki Gali on the Mughal Road, Sinthan Pass leading to Kishtwar, Razdan Pass connecting to Gurez and Sadhna Top on the route to Tangdhar and Karnah.
Rain has continued across parts of the Valley over the past 24 hours. The Meteorological Department forecast unsettled weather until Friday afternoon and predicted a significant drop of 6-8 degrees Celsius in daytime temperatures.
In an advisory, the department urged farmers to safely store harvested crops, warning that moderate to heavy snowfall in higher areas could disrupt traffic on mountain passes and hilly roads. Travellers, transporters and tourists were advised to follow weather-related advisories issued by the Traffic Department.
The precipitation is also expected to improve water availability in springs, wells, lakes and other water bodies across Kashmir. Several perennial springs supplying drinking water schemes managed by the Public Health Engineering Department had been reporting low water levels since last month.
The spell is expected to benefit migratory birds as well. Wetland reserves, including Hokarsar, Mirgund, Hygam, Chatlam and Shallabugh, had been facing water shortages, affecting the availability of habitat for thousands of visiting birds. The fresh rain and snowfall are likely to replenish these wetlands and expand their available habitat.
As temperatures fall, residents have begun bringing out traditional winter clothing, including the tweed pheran, and using the kangri, a traditional firepot, to keep warm.
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