Heavy snowfall and rainfall have gripped the Kashmir Valley and its surrounding regions, altering day-to-day activities and raising concerns for residents and authorities alike. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange alerts for rain and snowfall across several northern states, including Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh.
According to the IMD, fresh snow accumulation has been recorded across the region due to the influence of a western disturbance, leading to substantial temperature drops, especially in hilly areas. For the second consecutive day, Jammu and Kashmir has been experiencing severe weather conditions, with reports of snow affecting travel and local infrastructure.
Measureable effects have been observed on transportation routes. The administration announced closures of various roads, including the Pawadha-Karnah and Bandipur-Gurej routes, due to heavy snow accumulation. This challenges the daily commute for local residents as well as travelers seeking to access scenic areas like Gulmarg, which recorded 33 cm of snow, the highest accumulation noted by local meteorological centers.
Beyond the mountainous terrains, the lower plains have also seen significant rainfall. Since the onset of this wet spell, places such as Srinagar have reported consistent rainfall. Areas including Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, and Ludhiana have witnessed varying degrees of rain due to the same western disturbance, triggering cold waves across Punjab.
The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has forecasted continued moderate to heavy rainfall with light to moderate snow across most areas until February 28, followed by isolated snowfall on March 1 and 2. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director at the MeT, emphasizes the transformation to include cloudy conditions interspersed with light precipitation, making it imperative for residents and travelers to monitor updates.
The impacts of the weather have also forced advisories concerning agricultural activities. Farmers have been instructed to suspend irrigation and other farm operations during this wet period to mitigate potential damage.
Weather conditions have forced the suspension of gondola services at the famous Gulmarg ski resort due to safety concerns. Snow-clearing operations have been initiated, with the authorities assuring refunds to those whose travel plans have been disrupted. Despite adverse conditions, some areas recorded impressive snow depths, with 2 feet of snow at Sadhna Top and Zojila Pass.
Reports indicate varying snow and rainfall levels across the region, with Srinagar recording approximately 7.8 mm of rainfall, Kupwara experiencing 20.3 mm of rain and 1.5 cm of snow, and many other districts have seen similarly significant rainfall, with Banihal reporting over 38 mm.
The chilly atmosphere has resulted in plummeting day temperatures, which have reportedly dipped by 4 to 7 degrees Celsius. On February 26, for example, Srinagar’s maximum temperature was reportedly only 10.4°C, significantly below seasonal norms. The drop poses challenges for the local population as they navigate daily life amid the shifts caused by the weather.
Night temperatures have also seen fluctuations, with the lowest recorded at Gulmarg around -2.5°C. Meanwhile, enhanced water levels have been documented at local water bodies, raising alarm among residents, with forecasts indicating potential flooding if conditions persist.
The MeT has advised against unnecessary travel to areas prone to snowfall and advised residents to prepare accordingly. The advisory points out temporary disruptions to surface transport due to expected weather patterns, advising tourists and travelers to follow transportation advisories issued by local authorities.
Residents have reported instances of water logging, particularly within Srinagar city, which raises additional difficulties as they work to manage the fallout from the heavy rains. Nonetheless, locals are resilient as they have become accustomed to the unpredictable patterns of winter weather.
Authorities also issued warnings of potential avalanches, advising those residing near high-risk areas to stay vigilant and take safety precautions, especially during active periods of snowfall.
This current weather event is noted to be significant not only due to its immediate impact but also for the potential long-term effects on the region’s agriculture and tourism, particularly with the pivotal Mahashivratri festivities taking place soon. The rain and snowfall have already caused disruptions to the traditional celebration and pilgrimage activities.
While forecasters predict some improvement post-March 6, local communities remain on high alert as they adapt to the challenges of winter, balancing the allure of snowfall for tourists with the disruptions to everyday life posed by unpredictable winter weather.