Srinagar, Oct 16 (IANS): Fresh snowfall in the higher reaches Tuesday brought down the temperatures in the Kashmir Valley giving residents a feeling of the winter setting in earlier than scheduled.

"The minimum temperature fell to 8.2 degrees Celsius in Srinagar today (Monday). It was 5.1 degrees Celsius in Pahalgam and 1.3 degrees Celsius in Gulmarg which is three degrees less than normal," an official of the weather office told IANS.

"The minimum temperature in the Leh town was 3.2 degrees Celsius, while it was 3.4 degrees Celsius in Kargil town of the state's Ladakh region," the official said.

The official also confirmed light snowfall in the south and north Kashmir mountains which has brought down the temperatures in the plains.

"There has been fresh snowfall in the higher reaches of the Valley in both south and north areas. This has send in cold winds into the plains thereby bringing down the temperatures," the official said.

Kashmiris believe winter is going to be harsh this year since the summer was hotter than usual in 2012.

"Normally, winter sets in by December, but this year it appears it has come much earlier. It appears we are in for a harsh winter since people have already started using woolens," said Ali Muhammad, 65, a resident of central Badgam district.