- Rain, snow and gusty winds grip J&K, IMD warns of more weather disruption till March 20
JAMMU, MARCH 18: A fresh spell of rain and snowfall on Tuesday pulled temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir sharply below normal, bringing back a distinct winter-like chill in the middle of March and disrupting normal life in several parts of the Union Territory.
From the plains of Jammu to the higher reaches of the Kashmir Valley, continuous precipitation altered the weather pattern dramatically, ending the recent run of relatively warm days and reviving cold conditions more typical of late winter. Rains lashed most low-lying areas while snowfall continued in the upper reaches, affecting road connectivity, slowing traffic and causing inconvenience to commuters, tourists and pilgrims alike.
In the Kashmir Valley, widespread rainfall gripped the plains, including Srinagar, while several higher-altitude areas received fresh snowfall. Snow was reported from Pir Ki Gali along the Mughal Road in Shopian district and from Sonamarg, while intermittent snowfall over the past few days has left many mountain peaks wrapped in a fresh white cover. The sudden shift in weather intensified the chill across the Valley and sharply lowered daytime temperatures. The snow-clad slopes of Gulmarg once again turned into a major attraction, drawing tourists eager to experience the wintry landscape.
Officials said the prevailing cloudy and wet conditions resulted in colder days and comparatively warmer nights, reversing the trend of unusually high temperatures witnessed recently. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 8.4 degrees Celsius, which was 7.6 degrees below normal. Other parts of the Valley also reported significant departures from the seasonal average, with Qazigund at 9.2 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam at 7.6 degrees, Kupwara at 9.2 degrees, Kukernag at 9.2 degrees and Gulmarg at just 1.0 degree Celsius.
The Jammu division too witnessed the impact of the wet spell, with light to moderate rain in the plains and fresh snowfall in several upper reaches. Rain continued in Reasi district, while in Ramban’s Mahu area of Khari tehsil, around three to four inches of snowfall were recorded. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, however, remained open for two-way traffic, despite light rain continuing along the Nashri-Banihal stretch till late evening.
In the upper reaches of Bani and Billawar, snowfall and rain led to the closure of the Bani-Sarthal road, disrupting movement and causing hardship to daily commuters. Several link roads were also blocked due to landslides and waterlogging. Border Roads Organisation teams were pressed into service and were actively engaged in clearing the Sarthal road connecting Bhaderwah.
Heavy snowfall was also reported from the upper reaches of Kishtwar district, including Sinthan Top, Marwah, Warwan, Padder, Dachhan and Bonjwah, where snow continued since midnight. While the Kishtwar-Jammu highway remained open, vehicular movement towards Sinthan Top was restricted as a precautionary step. In neighbouring Doda district, fresh snowfall was witnessed in Bhalesa and adjoining areas such as Khalgussar, Manoo, Kutha, Haddal and Jatroon Top, turning the upper reaches into a snow-covered landscape.
The weather also affected pilgrimage movement at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. Though both tracks leading to the Bhawan remained open for pilgrims, helicopter services and battery car services were suspended later in the day due to continuous rainfall, causing inconvenience to visitors.
The cooling effect of the wet spell was equally visible in the Jammu division’s temperature profile. Jammu city recorded a maximum of 20.2 degrees Celsius, 7.3 degrees below normal. Banihal settled at 9.5 degrees Celsius, Batote at 10.1 degrees, Katra at 19.2 degrees and Bhaderwah at 10.2 degrees, all registering significant negative departures from the usual mid-March average.
The Meteorological Department has forecast erratic weather conditions to continue till March 20, with intermittent light to moderate rain and snowfall expected at many places across Jammu and Kashmir. Some higher reaches of the Doda Valley and south Kashmir may receive moderate to heavy snowfall. The department has also warned of thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds of 40 to 50 kmph at isolated places, along with the possibility of hailstorms, and has advised farmers to suspend agricultural operations during this period.