JAMMU AND KASHMIR: A two-day spell of moderate rain and snow is forecast for Jammu and Kashmir starting from March 26, 2025, prompting the local Meteorological Department (MeT) to issue a yellow alert across multiple locations until March 27. The weather is expected to bring light to moderate rain and snow, particularly in the higher reaches of the region.
According to Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, the Director of the MeT, light to moderate rain and snowfall are anticipated from the late afternoon of March 26 until the night, and again from the late afternoon of March 27 until the night. This weather pattern is expected mainly in North and Central Kashmir. Following this period, the weather is predicted to improve gradually, with dry conditions expected from March 28 to April 3.
The advisory from the MeT has urged travelers, tourists, and transporters to plan accordingly and heed administration and traffic advisories. Farmers have also been advised to suspend operations during this period due to the forecasted inclement weather. "There is a possibility of thunderstorms with gusty winds at a few places during March 26-27," the advisory reads.
On March 26, the temperature in Jammu and Kashmir is recorded at -8.54 °C, with a minimum of -16.55 °C and a maximum of -7.19 °C. Relative humidity is at 91%, with wind speeds reaching 91 km/h. The sun rose at 06:17 AM and is expected to set at 06:37 PM. For the following day, March 27, the forecast predicts even colder conditions, with temperatures ranging between -19.39 °C and -7.07 °C, and humidity levels dropping to 71%.
In the context of the ongoing weather patterns, the MeT has also predicted thunderstorms accompanied by rainfall over the next three days. The department noted that light rain is expected in northern and central Kashmir within the next 24 hours, with heavy snowfall likely in some areas.
As for the overall weather outlook, moderate rainfall is expected in some regions, with strong winds blowing at speeds of 40-50 km/h. The forecast indicates that from the afternoon of March 26 until the late evening of March 27, moderate rain and snowfall will continue in northern and central Kashmir.
Gradual improvement in weather conditions is expected thereafter, as dry weather is predicted from March 28 to March 31, with the first three days of April also expected to remain dry. However, temperatures are likely to rise during this period.
Notably, the Meteorological Department has reported that maximum daytime temperatures in several areas were 2 to 8 degrees Celsius above normal. Nighttime temperatures in Kashmir were recorded at 3 to 5 degrees Celsius higher than usual, while in Jammu, temperatures were up to 4 degrees Celsius above normal. For instance, in Baramulla district’s Gulmarg ski resort, the nighttime temperature was recorded at 3.6 degrees Celsius. In Srinagar, the minimum temperature was noted at 9.8 degrees Celsius, 4.4 degrees Celsius above normal. Qazigund, located in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, recorded a temperature of 7.2 degrees Celsius, which is 3.3 degrees Celsius above normal. The popular tourist destination of Pahalgam recorded a temperature of 5.8 degrees Celsius, 5 degrees Celsius above normal, while Kupwara recorded 6.5 degrees Celsius, 2.9 degrees Celsius above normal.
As the region braces for this weather change, residents and visitors alike are reminded to stay informed and prepared for the fluctuating conditions. The MeT's advisories remain crucial for ensuring safety and minimizing disruptions caused by the anticipated weather events.
In summary, the coming days will see Jammu and Kashmir experiencing a mix of rain and snow, with temperatures dipping significantly. The yellow alert serves as a reminder for all stakeholders to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols during this unpredictable weather phase.
