Jammu and Kashmir is preparing for a three-day period of heavy rain and snow, as forecast by the Meteorological (MET) Department. An advisory issued Tuesday warns of significant weather disruption from the evening of February 25th to the 28th, due to an active Western Disturbance.
The MET Department predicts widespread moderate rain, snow, and thunderstorms across the region. Light to moderate rain and snow will begin in north and central Kashmir on the evening of the 25th, intensifying and spreading throughout Jammu and Kashmir in the following days.
The advisory specifically warns of moderate to heavy snowfall in the middle and higher elevations of Kashmir and the hilly areas of Jammu. Higher reaches of south Kashmir and the Chenab Valley may experience very heavy snowfall, particularly on February 27th and 28th. This weather system is expected to disrupt both air and surface transportation.
Farmers are advised to halt agricultural activities during this period, and there is a risk of landslides, rockfalls, and mudslides in vulnerable areas.
Current minimum temperatures are: Srinagar 4.9°C, Gulmarg -1.3°C, Pahalgam -0.3°C, Jammu city 13.5°C, Katra town 12.7°C, Batote 7.5°C, Banihal 3.7°C, and Bhaderwah 4°C.
The region is already experiencing a severe water shortage due to an 80% rainfall deficit in January and February.
Rivers are at their lowest discharge levels, and many springs in the Kashmir Valley have dried up or are running at extremely low flow, leading to potable water shortages. A prolonged dry spell and the need for significant snowfall in the higher elevations before winter’s end raise concerns about a potential water crisis during the summer.
