The Meteorological Department has issued a severe weather warning for Jammu & Kashmir, predicting heavy rain, snowfall, and thunderstorms from April 18th to 20th, 2025. The most intense weather activity is expected from the night of April 18th through late night on April 19th.
Key Points:
- Affected Areas: The Pirpanjal range in Jammu division and the higher reaches of Kashmir division (including Anantnag-Pahalgam, Kulgam, Sinthan Pass, Shupiyan, Pir Ki Gali, Sonamarg-Zojila, Bandipora-Razdan Pass, Gulmarg, and Kupwara-Sadhna Pass) are expected to experience the most severe conditions.
- Weather Conditions: Expect widespread light to moderate rain and snowfall (at higher elevations), with heavy rain and snow in the specified areas. Thunderstorms, lightning, hail, and strong winds (40-50 km/h, gusting to 60-70 km/h) are also anticipated.
- Potential Impacts:
- Disruption of surface transportation, including the Jammu-Srinagar and Srinagar-Leh National Highways, as well as other major roads in the middle and higher reaches of J&K.
- Moderate to severe thunderstorms and lightning.
- Increased risk of landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones in vulnerable areas.
- Rise in water levels in rivers, streams, and local nallas, with potential waterlogging in low-lying areas.
- Advisory:
- Farmers are advised to suspend all agricultural activities from April 18th until the afternoon of April 21st, 2025.
- Divisional Commissioners of both Kashmir and Jammu have been given this warning.
- Cause: An active western disturbance is the cause of this weather system.
