Parts of Kashmir experienced substantial snowfall today, resulting in the cancellation of all flights at the Srinagar airport. Officials confirmed the cancellations due to continuous snowfall, bringing joy to locals and tourists alike as it ends a prolonged dry spell in the Valley.
While the Srinagar-Jammu national highway remains open for traffic, snowfall between Banihal and Ramsoo in the Ramban district along the highway has been reported by the traffic department. The entire Kashmir region is now covered in a thick white blanket of snow, transforming the landscape into a picturesque winter wonderland.
Three days ago, higher reaches and some parts of the Valley witnessed snowfall, and today, the snowfall has extended across the entire region. So far, there are no reports of any major power breakdown, and authorities are working to ensure normalcy despite the challenging weather conditions.
Normally, snowfall is a common occurrence in December and during the 40-day-long Chillai Kalan, which is considered the harshest winter period starting on December 21 every year and concluding on January 30. However, this winter saw an unusual weather pattern with minimal snowfall until now. The Valley is currently in the midst of a 20-day-long ‘Chilla-i-Khurd’ (small cold) period, which will be followed by a 10-day ‘Chilla-i-Bachha.’ The heavy snowfall is expected to bring much-needed relief to the region and contribute to a more typical winter experience in Kashmir.