Heavy showers may cause waterlogging in several areas
Weather activity likely to persist till April 10, says MeT
Authorities issue safety advisory amid worsening conditions
Srinagar: Fresh snowfall was recorded in several higher reaches of Kashmir on Friday, while widespread rainfall lashed the plains, disrupting normal life across the Valley, officials said.
According to officials, areas in the higher reaches, including Mughal Road in south Kashmir’s Shopian and Sadhna Top in north Kashmir’s Kupwara, received fresh spells of snowfall.
The plains, including Srinagar, witnessed intermittent to continuous rainfall, which was ongoing in many areas till late evening.
The weather activity has been triggered by a strong western disturbance affecting Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in widespread precipitation across the Union Territory.
Officials said the system has brought a mix of rain in the plains and snow in higher altitudes, affecting movement on key roads,, including in Srinagar, and increasing the risk of landslides in vulnerable areas.
Director Meteorological Department (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad told Kashmir Horizon said that erratic weather conditions are expected to persist till April 10.
He said that from April 3 to 4, the region will witness generally cloudy conditions with intermittent light to moderate rain and snowfall at many places, accompanied by thunder, hailstorms, and gusty winds.
“Heavy to moderate rainfall and snowfall in higher reaches is expected, with brief intense showers at a few places across both Kashmir and Jammu divisions,” he said.
The MeT has forecast partly cloudy weather with light rain at isolated places on April 5 and 6. However, fresh spells of light to moderate rain and snowfall in higher reaches, along with thunder and gusty winds, are expected to affect many areas again between April 7 and 9.
A brief spell of light precipitation is likely at a few places on April 10 and 11, while the weather is expected to remain generally dry from April 12 to 15, the MeT said.
Meanwhile, the department has issued an advisory warning of possible thunderstorms, hailstorms, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kmph at isolated places during April 3–4 and again on April 7–8.
It also cautioned that intense short-duration showers may trigger flash floods, landslides in vulnerable areas, and waterlogging in low-lying regions.
Farmers have been advised to suspend agricultural operations during this period, while travellers have been urged to plan their travel carefully, in view of the prevailing weather conditions.
Meanwhile, authorities are closely monitoring the situation, particularly in higher reaches and landslide-prone areas, to ensure public safety and minimize disruptions.
