SRINAGAR: Winter conditions tightened their grip on the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday as fresh snowfall blanketed strategic high-altitude passes, prompting authorities to issue fresh travel advisories for commuters.
The Zojila Pass and the Minamarg region were the first to report significant snowfall, marking a sharp shift in weather patterns along the crucial Srinagar–Kargil–Leh National Highway. The accumulation of snow has prompted officials to urge caution for all motorists navigating the rugged terrain. Along with the Zojila sector, the upper reaches of the Gumri mountains and the town of Drass—often cited as one of the coldest inhabited places in the world—experienced their first notable dusting of the season.
Further into the Kashmir Valley, the higher elevations of the world-famous ski resort of Gulmarg and the sprawling Pir Panjal range also received light snow showers. The sudden drop in temperatures has brought a chilly breeze to the plains, signalling a shift toward deeper winter conditions in the region.
The traffic department has issued an urgent advisory for those traveling on the Sonamarg–Zojila–Minamarg route. Officials have requested that drivers remain in constant contact with the local traffic control rooms to receive real-time updates on road conditions. “Motorists must ensure their vehicles are equipped with anti-skid snow chains before attempting to cross the pass,” a traffic official stated. “Maintaining safe speeds and avoiding unnecessary travel during peak snowfall hours is essential to preventing accidents on these slippery, high-altitude roads.”
The Meteorological Department (MeT) in Srinagar has forecasted generally cloudy weather to persist across Jammu and Kashmir over the next 24 hours. While the plains are expected to remain largely dry, meteorologists have predicted that light rain or scattered snowfall remains a possibility at isolated higher-altitude locations.
The onset of this early winter activity is being closely monitored by local authorities, as the Srinagar–Kargil–Leh National Highway serves as a vital lifeline for the Union Territory of Ladakh, connecting it to the rest of the country. With the mountain passes prone to blockades as winter progresses, the administration remains on high alert to ensure that supply lines and connectivity are maintained despite the harsh weather.
Local residents and tourists alike are advised to keep warm clothing accessible and to stay informed about daily weather bulletins issued by the MeT office. As the region braces for the approaching winter months, the snow serves as a reminder of the volatile weather conditions characteristic of the Himalayan landscape.
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