Fresh Snowfall Covers Himachal, J&K Border Areas After Two Days Of Rain

The fresh snowfall has transformed the landscape, leaving roads, rooftops and mountains covered under a thick white layer.

The higher reaches of the Banihal mountains have received fresh snowfall. (ANI)

Fresh snowfall has covered the upper reaches of Himachal Pradesh and areas along the Jammu and Kashmir border following two days of continuous rainfall. Temperatures have dropped sharply, bringing severe cold conditions to Bhalesa in Jammu and Kashmir.

Dense fog has also enveloped Bhalesa, further intensifying the cold. With the sudden fall in temperatures, residents have once again begun using bukharis, kangris and warm clothing to cope with the chilly weather.

The higher reaches of the Banihal mountains also received fresh snowfall, transforming the scenic peaks into a white landscape and intensifying cold conditions across the region

The fresh snowfall has transformed the landscape, leaving roads, rooftops and mountains covered under a thick white layer.

Earlier, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecast that two successive western disturbances would affect northwest India this week, with peak activity expected around April 3–4 and again on April 7.

Doda Deputy Commissioner Krishan Lal advised residents to stay cautious and avoid rivers and drains as a precaution.“Along with our district, intermittent rain is occurring in other districts as well; there are no reports of major road damage anywhere. As a precautionary measure, we have closed all the schools in Doda. I would just say to the people that they should step out, keeping an eye on the weather.”

“Do not go near rivers or drains, as there is always a danger of flooding there. When snow falls, roads get slippery, so people are advised not to travel to high reaches in such conditions. Otherwise, Golikand and Jai Valley are open for tourists. However, Badri is closed for now,” he added.

Last week as well, the upper reaches of Bhalesa experienced snowfall following continuous rain in the plains, creating a scenic view for residents and visitors. The contrast between rain-soaked greenery in the lower areas and snow-covered peaks in the higher regions produced a picturesque landscape.

Nearly one foot of snow was recorded in the plains, while higher hilly areas received around two to three feet of snowfall. The heavy weather disrupted essential services such as electricity and water supply.

Several roads, including highways and link roads, were blocked due to landslides, fallen trees and heavy snow accumulation. Only emergency services were allowed to operate until conditions improved. The Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) was eventually closed due to heavy rain and snowfall, and traffic movement was also halted at Jakhani Chowk in Udhampur.

Air travel was also affected, with Srinagar Airport and IndiGo Airlines announcing the temporary suspension and cancellation of several flights. Authorities stopped all traffic at safer points along NH-44 as a precaution because of slippery roads and heavy accumulation of rain and snow up to Ramsoo.

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