Srinagar, Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir experienced widespread rainfall for the second consecutive day on Saturday as a fresh Western Disturbance influenced the region, leading to a noticeable drop in temperatures.
The Meteorological Department (MeT) indicated that weather conditions are anticipated to improve gradually from Sunday, with a reduction in rainfall activity, although isolated showers may persist.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, rainfall commenced on Friday afternoon across Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir, continuing intermittently through the night and into Saturday. MeT data revealed that Srinagar recorded 25.1 mm of rainfall, Qazigund 18.8 mm, Pahalgam 12 mm, Kupwara 14.1 mm, Kokernag 12.8 mm, and Gulmarg 32.2 mm by Saturday evening. In the Jammu region, Ramban registered 24 mm of rainfall, Batote 53.8 mm, Poonch 45.5 mm, Rajouri 61 mm, Jammu 14.4 mm, Reasi 34.5 mm, Katra 32.2 mm, Bhaderwah 26.8 mm, and Banihal 19.7 mm.
Daytime temperatures saw a significant decrease throughout Kashmir. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 16.3 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam 10.2 degrees Celsius, and Gulmarg 5.3 degrees Celsius, all falling below the seasonal normal. Temperatures in the Jammu region also plummeted below average.
An official from the MeT department stated that the rains were expected to continue until Saturday evening in the plains of Kashmir, with light snowfall anticipated in higher reaches. Higher-altitude areas and critical mountain passes, including Zojila, Sinthan Top, Margan Top, Mughal Road, Sadhna Top, and Razdan Top, received fresh light snowfall, which subsequently hampered traffic movement. Several roads, such as the Mughal Road, Kokernag-Sinthan Top road, Gawran-Margan Top road, and the Bandipora-Gurez road, were temporarily closed due to snow accumulation.
Fresh snowfall was also reported from the tourist resort of Sonmarg, Gulmarg, and the twin Chenab valleys of Marwa and Warwan in Kishtwar district. Higher reaches of Ladakh, including Leh, Kargil, and Nubra Valley, also experienced snowfall. Incidents of shooting stones and landslides were reported at multiple locations in Ramban along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, causing traffic disruptions for several hours.
Weather conditions are projected to improve gradually from Sunday, with the possibility of brief showers in isolated areas. However, information was available with The Chenab Times that another Western Disturbance is expected to affect Jammu and Kashmir from April 7 to 9, bringing a new spell of widespread rain and snowfall in higher reaches. Director MeT Centre Srinagar, Mukhtar Ahmad, advised that the region would continue to experience unstable weather due to successive Western Disturbances until April 10. He further predicted partly cloudy conditions with light rain at isolated places on April 5-6, followed by a more significant Western Disturbance from April 7-9 bringing light to moderate rain and snowfall in higher reaches, accompanied by thunder and gusty winds. A brief spell of light rain or snow is likely at isolated places on April 10-11, before a period of generally dry and cloudy weather from April 12 to 15.
The MeT department has issued a warning for thunderstorms, hailstorms, and gusty winds with speeds of 40-50 kph expected between April 7 and 8. An advisory cautioned that intense heavy showers for brief periods could lead to flash floods, landslides in vulnerable areas, and waterlogging in low-lying regions. Farmers have been advised to suspend agricultural operations, and travellers urged to plan accordingly.
Despite inclement weather and incidents of shooting stones and landslides, the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained open for traffic on Saturday, as reported by M M Parvaiz from Ramban. Officials confirmed that intermittent rainfall across the region triggered these incidents at Hingni, Digdool, and other vulnerable points along the Nashri-Ramban-Banihal stretch. Swift clearance operations by road maintenance agencies ensured minimal disruption to traffic movement. Authorities are continuously monitoring the situation, with men and machinery deployed at critical points to manage any emergencies. Commuters have been advised to exercise caution due to the persistent risk of landslides and falling debris.
The Mughal Road was restored on Saturday morning after being closed for vehicular movement on Friday due to snowfall and adverse weather conditions. Sumit Bhargav reported from Rajouri that vehicular movement was temporarily permitted during notified timings from 11 am to 3 pm. Despite the temporary restoration, fresh light snowfall in upper reaches on Saturday evening raised concerns about potential renewed disruptions. Commuters are advised to strictly adhere to regulated timings and exercise caution.
In Kupwara, the main road leading to the Keran sector was blocked near Thandapani on Saturday following a landslide triggered by recent rainfall, as reported by Tarique Raheem. The landslide, which involved an uprooted tree, suspended vehicular movement and caused significant inconvenience. The landslide also damaged electric lines, resulting in power outages in the Keran sector, affecting numerous villages. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara, Shrikant Suse, confirmed that efforts were underway to reopen the road and restore electricity, with the road eventually being reopened for traffic movement in the late evening.
The 85-km Bandipora-Gurez road, particularly at Razdan Top, faced risks due to inclement weather, snow, and high winds, as per officials speaking to Greater Kashmir. The road, which had been open for commuters, was closed on Friday evening. An operation was launched by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and police to rescue 38 vehicles stranded at Razdan Top due to heavy snowfall. OC BRO Aman Trivedi stated that all stranded vehicles belonged to locals traveling from Gurez towards Bandipora. Following the overnight rescue, commuters were safely escorted across the pass. The route remained closed to traffic on Saturday, with ongoing snowfall at Razdan Pass creating perilous driving conditions despite relatively light fresh snowfall, exacerbated by high winds causing snow accumulation. Snow clearance operations were prioritized on Saturday, with efforts to reopen the road by Sunday morning. DC Bandipora Indu Kanwal Chib indicated that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for travel on the road would be issued with strict adherence to cutoff timings amidst the inclement weather.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
