- Wet spell to continue till 7th April: MeT
Irfan Yattoo
SrinagarA sudden dip in temperatures swept across Kashmir on Saturday after fresh snowfall blanketed higher reaches while steady rains drenched the plains, bringing back a winter-like chill across the region.
Officials said areas including Gurez, Tulail, Gulmarg and Sonamarg received fresh snowfall, while most parts of the Valley witnessed widespread rainfall through the day.
Rainfall figures over the last 24 hours indicated intense precipitation in several districts. Baramulla and Handwara recorded over 45 mm each, while Lolab received more than 42 mm.
Srinagar registered around 25 mm of rainfall, with slightly higher precipitation at the airport. Budgam, Kulgam and Sopore also recorded significant rainfall.
In the Jammu region, Rajouri topped the chart with over 60 mm of rain, followed by Batote, Poonch, Udhampur and Katra, highlighting the widespread impact of the weather system across the Union Territory.
The Meteorological Department has forecast continued unsettled weather conditions till April 10. Officials said intermittent rain and snowfall are expected over the next few days, with another active spell likely around April 7–8, accompanied by thunder, gusty winds and lightning in several areas.
Indpendent Forecaster Faizan Arif said that as per current indications of weather models a long dry /hot weather is expected from 10th April onwards. So farmers can spray orchards from April 10th onwards, he added.
The advisory also warned of short bursts of intense rainfall that could trigger flash floods, landslides and waterlogging, particularly in vulnerable and low-lying zones.
Farmers have been urged to halt agricultural activities temporarily, while travellers have been advised to remain cautious and plan journeys in line with weather updates.
Adverse weather conditions disrupted road connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir, with several key routes either shut or operating under restrictions.
Traffic on the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway (NH-44) remained sluggish due to landslides and narrowing of the road at multiple points, particularly between Nashri and Banihal. Officials said breakdown of heavy vehicles further aggravated congestion.
Authorities have discouraged night travel on the highway, citing risks of shooting stones and landslides, especially along the Ramban–Banihal stretch.
The Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road remained closed, while the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri (SSG) road was opened only for regulated movement due to avalanche threats near Zojila. Commuters have been advised to carry anti-skid chains.
The Mughal Road was made accessible for light vehicles for limited hours, subject to weather conditions, while the Bandipora-Gurez road remained shut following fresh snowfall.
In Reasi district, landslides triggered by heavy rains blocked roads in Mahore and Arnas, leaving several commuters stranded. Restoration efforts are underway, though continuous rainfall is slowing operations.
Authorities have urged commuters to check traffic advisories before travel and maintain lane discipline to avoid congestion on major routes.
