Traffic cautioned as IMD issues Alerts; clearing expected by Oct 8
Leh, Oct 06: A fresh spell of snowfall swept across the higher reaches of Kargil district overnight, draping the rugged Himalayan terrain in white and ushering in a biting chill that gripped much of Ladakh on Sunday. The early-season flurry, officials said, marks a premature onset of winter conditions across the region and prompted weather advisories amid a broader pattern of inclement weather spanning northern India.
From Zojila Pass to Drass and Suru Valley, residents woke to moderate accumulations that persisted through the morning, transforming the stark mountain slopes into a wintry tableau weeks ahead of the usual timeline. In Kargil town, intermittent showers and an overcast sky kept temperatures subdued, while adjoining valleys remained shrouded in mist and low clouds, reflecting a swift seasonal transition.
Despite the deteriorating weather, the Kargil–Srinagar National Highway remained open, with vehicular movement allowed under close supervision. Authorities, however, urged motorists to exercise caution, warning of slippery surfaces and poor visibility at elevated stretches where snow continued to fall intermittently. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) extended its advisory through the day, forecasting moderate to heavy precipitation and the likelihood of fresh blockages along critical corridors, including Zojila and Shinkula passes.
Meteorologists attributed the sudden shift to an active western disturbance, which has also brought snow to upper reaches of Jammu and Kashmir. “Conditions remain volatile across higher altitudes. Travellers should monitor advisories as intermittent snowfall may affect connectivity,” a weather official said.
Early October snowfalls in Ladakh, though not unprecedented, often foreshadow the closure of mountain passes that serve as lifelines for remote communities. With Drass already nearing freezing temperatures—characteristic of one of the coldest inhabited places on earth—the chill has intensified, prompting residents to begin stocking essentials ahead of prolonged isolation.
According to the Meteorological Centre in Leh, a gradual improvement is likely from October 8 as drier air sets in, though sharp night-time dips are expected to persist. Historical data indicates that average highs in Kargil hover around 14°C in October, with frosty nights increasingly common as the month progresses.
The early winter onset has also tempered the tail end of the tourist season in Leh and nearby areas, where officials have reiterated advisories for visitors to stay updated on route conditions. As flakes taper off over the next few days, preparations are underway across Ladakh’s highlands for the long freeze ahead—a familiar yet formidable rhythm in this stark Himalayan frontier.
