Srinagar, January 23, 2026: A powerful Western Disturbance has brought the season’s first major snowfall to Jammu and Kashmir, ending a prolonged dry spell and significantly impacting daily life across the Valley.
According to reports and measurements taken at 9:00 a.m. today, South and North Kashmir have recorded the highest accumulation. Shopian emerged as one of the hardest-hit areas, with snow depths reaching up to 4 feet in higher reaches and up to 2.5 feet in the plains. Similarly, in North Kashmir’s Kupwara district, high-altitude areas like Hachmarg and the Karnah Valley reported between 2.5 to 4 feet of fresh snow, while Kupwara town recorded 10 inches.
In Central Kashmir, the snowfall remained moderate to heavy in rural belts but relatively light in urban centers. While the Srinagar Airport area in Budgam recorded 3–4 inches of snow—leading to the temporary suspension of flight operations—Srinagar’s downtown area saw no significant accumulation.
However, the Budgam district witnessed substantial snowfall, with Pakherpora and Charar-i-Sharief recording between 1.5 to 2 feet. The popular ski resort of Gulmarg remains blanketed under 2 feet of fresh snow, while the Gurez Valley in Bandipora reported a depth of 1 foot.
The heavy precipitation has extended into the Jammu division and parts of Ladakh as well. Poonch and Banihal recorded over 5 inches of snow, while the Suru Valley in Kargil saw 3–4 inches.
Authorities have warned that while these figures are based on preliminary local reports and may vary by specific location, the intensity of the spell has already disrupted surface and air traffic across the region.
Travelers are advised to exercise extreme caution and check for road clearances on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and other major mountainous passes before beginning their journey.
