Jammu and Kashmir Braces for Rain, Snow as Fresh Western Disturbance Sets In
SRINAGAR: A moderate-intensity Western Disturbance is set to bring a spell of rain and snow to Jammu and Kashmir starting this afternoon, with precipitation expected to intensify over the next three days.
According to the Meteorological Department, the disturbance will begin affecting the higher reaches by late afternoon, gradually spreading to most parts of the region by tomorrow morning. Intermittent rain and snow showers are likely to continue until the evening of February 27, followed by a more intense spell extending into February 28. However, dry intervals are expected between spells, particularly from the afternoon of February 26 to the evening of February 27.
While the higher reaches are expected to witness moderate snowfall, some areas could experience heavy accumulation. In the plains, rain will dominate due to relatively higher temperatures, though there is a 25 per cent chance of snowfall in some plains during the night of February 27. Weather conditions are expected to improve from the afternoon of February 28.
The MET Department has issued an advisory to the Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu, warning of possible disruptions in air and surface transport due to the inclement weather. The advisory highlights the likelihood of moderate to heavy snowfall in middle and higher reaches, with a risk of very heavy snowfall in parts of south Kashmir and the Chenab Valley, particularly on February 27 and 28. Farmers have been advised to suspend agricultural activities during this period, while authorities have cautioned about the possibility of landslides, shooting stones, and mudslides at vulnerable locations.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir continues to experience an 80 per cent deficit in rainfall for January and February, leading to record-low discharge levels in rivers and drying springs in parts of Kashmir. Unless the higher reaches receive significant snowfall before the end of the season, experts warn of a worsening water crisis in the summer months.
The minimum temperature was recorded at 4.9 degrees Celsius in Srinagar, minus 1.3 in Gulmarg, and minus 0.3 in Pahalgam. Jammu city recorded a minimum of 13.5 degrees, while Katra stood at 12.7, Batote at 7.5, Banihal at 3.7, and Bhaderwah at 4 degrees.
