Snowfall In Kashmir Himachal And Uttarakhand Signals Early Winter Arrival In Plains

As more than half of September has passed, the intense humidity typical of the monsoon season is finally beginning to recede across northern India. Usually, by this time of year, early morning mist starts appearing over fields and roads, and delicate dew drops can be seen on the grass. It wouldn't be wrong to say that winter is already knocking at the door. Interestingly, the Meteorological Department had previously predicted a late arrival of winter this year due to the Al-Nino effect. However, the sudden and heavy snowfall in the mountainous regions of Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand might prove these predictions wrong, as the plains are now expected to experience an early onset of the cold season.

Snowfall in the Mountains Sends a Message to the Plains

The recent snowfall in the mountains is a clear signal for those living in the plains that it's time to bring out the heavy blankets, quilts, and warm clothes from storage. The weather in the hilly states has taken a complete turn. Fresh snowfall has commenced in the higher reaches of Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. While the snowfall has Importantly increased the cold in the mountains, the icy winds blowing from these regions will soon provide relief from the humid heat of the plains. This marks the beginning of that pleasant pink cold that we usually start feeling around the time of Diwali, but this year it seems to be arriving much earlier than expected.

First Snowfall at Himachal's Rohtang Pass

Himachal Pradesh's Rohtang Pass has recorded its first fresh snowfall of the season, causing the high peaks to be draped in a thick white blanket of snow. Located at an altitude of 13058 feet and approximately 50 kilometers away from Manali, this pass serves as the primary route connecting the Lahaul and Spiti valleys. Following this change in weather, travelers planning to visit Rohtang are advised to ensure their safety, while it's essential to check the road advisories issued by the local administration and police before heading into the mountains, as the conditions can change rapidly after a snowfall.

Hemkund Sahib Witnesses Season's First Snow

In Uttarakhand, the sacred pilgrimage site of Shri Hemkund Sahib, situated at an altitude of 15000 feet, recorded its first snowfall of the season today. Since Thursday morning, the area has been experiencing a spell of rain accompanied by fresh snowfall. Following the sudden change in weather, the entire Hemkund Sahib area has been covered in a white sheet of snow. The beauty of the snow scattered across the mountains has captivated the hearts of the devotees arriving there, making this enchanting sight a special center of attraction for pilgrims who are braving the cold to offer their prayers.

White Blanket Over Kashmir Valley Mountains

The higher reaches of the Kashmir Valley recorded the season's first snowfall on Thursday. Snow fell during the night on the hills of Afarwat and Gondola Phase 2 in the famous tourist destination of Gulmarg. In the Bandipora district, the Gurez sector, Tulail valley, and Kabuli Gali also saw fresh snowfall, covering the hills in a white blanket. Meanwhile, rain in the plains has increased the chill. Along with snowfall in the higher reaches, the plains of the valley experienced light to moderate rain overnight, while the continuous rain and icy winds have led to a sharp drop in temperature, increasing the cold in the region and signaling that the winter season is firmly taking hold.