MeT Office Forecasts widespread rain, snowfall in J&K from Jan 22

Srinagar :  The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued a weather advisory warning of widespread light to moderate rainfall and snowfall across Jammu and Kashmir due to two Western Disturbances expected to affect the region from Thursday.
Barring the upper reaches, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed largely snowless conditions during Chilai Kalan, the Valley’s harshest 40-day winter period when snowfall is usually at its peak.
According to the advisory issued by the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, the first and more intense system is likely to impact J&K and adjoining areas from January 22 to 24, with peak activity on January 23. A second, relatively moderate Western Disturbance is forecast to affect the region from the night of January 26 to the forenoon of January 28, with peak activity on January 27.
The IMD said heavy rainfall and snowfall at a few places cannot be ruled out during both spells, particularly over the Pir Panjal range, Chenab Valley, and the middle and higher reaches of South Kashmir. Areas likely to be affected include Anantnag, Pahalgam, Kulgam, Shopian, Gulmarg, Sonamarg-Zojila axis, Razdan Pass, Sadhna Pass, Kupwara, Bandipora, Doda, Udhampur, Reasi, Kishtwar and Ramban.
The advisory cautioned that the weather systems may lead to disruption of surface and air transport, including possible closures of the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway and other major roads in higher reaches.
Travelers, tourists and transporters have been advised to plan their journeys carefully, while people living in snow-bound areas have been urged to avoid avalanche-prone and steep slopes. Farmers have been advised to suspend irrigation, fertilizer application and chemical spray activities during the affected period.
The IMD has also warned of a possibility of landslides, mudslides and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40–60 kmph at vulnerable locations.
Meanwhile, day and night temperatures across Kashmir remained above normal at most places on Sunday, according to the IMD.
The summer capital Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 13.7°C, nearly 7 degrees above normal, while the minimum settled at –1.2°C, slightly higher than the seasonal average. Ski resort of Gulmarg witnessed a day temperature of 5.5°C, over 5 degrees above normal, while the night temperature dropped to –3.5°C. In south Kashmir’s Pahalgam, the maximum temperature was recorded at 8.8°C, about 4 degrees above normal, with the minimum at –1.8°C, remaining higher than the usual levels for this time of the year, the IMD said.
Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing an exceptionally dry winter, with rainfall figures pointing to one of the sharpest seasonal deficits in recent years. Data from November 1, 2025 to January 17, 2026 shows that the union Territory has recorded an overall rainfall deficit of 85%. The UT received only 20.6 mm of rainfall against a normal of 139.0 mm.