Banihal में सीजन की पहली बर्फबारी, 50 साल का मौसम रिकॉर्ड टूट गया

Banihal witnessed the season’s first snowfall on Tuesday morning, breaking a weather record of more than five decades. The higher reaches of Banihal, including Mahu, Pogal-Paristan, and adjoining regions, were blanketed under a fresh layer of snow, transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland nearly one and a half months ahead of schedule. The unexpected early snowfall, coupled with heavy rain in the plains, caused a sharp drop in temperature, making the region experience January-like cold conditions. The Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) was closed due to landslides and shooting stones between Udhampur and Banihal, disrupting traffic movement. According to SSP Traffic NHW Raja Adil Hamid, the highway remains temporarily closed and restoration work is underway to ensure the safety of commuters. Residents across Ramban district were seen bringing out warm clothes much earlier than usual, while the chill in the air reminded many of the deep winter months. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier forecast the possibility of first snowfall in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir between October 5 and 7, which came true with this record-breaking event.