Severe weather warnings have been issued across parts of India as relentless rain, snowfall, and thunderstorms grip large regions, primarily affecting Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has alerted residents to brace for continued extreme weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and avalanches, which have already disrupted lives and travel.
The IMD's warnings are particularly serious for the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, which has faced closure due to snow accumulation and landslides. According to reports, numerous vehicles, including trucks and buses, were halted at various points along the highway as authorities struggled to clear the roads. A noteworthy quote from the IMD highlighted, "The weather department also predicted thunderstorms with lightning, hail and gusty winds over Uttarakhand and Punjab, alongside heavy rain." This upheaval has resulted not only inconvenience but also posed considerable risks to safety.
Heavy snow has blanketed areas like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam, drawing attention to the tourist spots as they grapple with challenging conditions. Travelers and locals alike are advised to proceed with caution. The IMD indicated increased rainfall and snowfall as being influenced by a western disturbance sweeping through the region. Satellite images from INSAT 3DR show significant clouding, vividly mapping this weather pattern as it envelops northern India.
On February 28, 2025, the government of Himachal Pradesh issued warnings for several districts under the threat of avalanches, most prominently affecting Lahaul and Spiti. "There is a snow avalanche warning (Danger Level 3, Orange) in District Lahaul & Spiti," noted the local police. They cautioned residents and travelers to limit their movement to designated safe routes. While previous incidents have caused damage, officials reported no injuries from the recent avalanche warnings.
Adding to the worrisome situation, flash floods and mudslides have emerged from the torrential rain, particularly impacting parts of Kullu district. The severe weather has led the district administration to issue alerts for those living near rivers and drainage systems, urging them to be vigilant. A statement from local authorities emphasized, "Efforts are underway to retrieve damaged vehicles and restore electricity, water supply, and traffic services."
Light to moderate rainfall is also expected over Delhi, with brisk winds projecting temperatures to drop significantly. The capital city, along with other regions such as Haryana and Punjab, is set to experience continued rainfall through the weekend. According to forecasts, areas like Dehradun and areas above 3,200 meters within Uttarakhand are likely to see heavy snowfall, with additional warnings for localized thunderstorms and hailstorms.
The weather department has emphasized the potential for significant impacts on public safety and travel logistics, allowing authorities to set precautionary measures. Measures like school closures have been enforced, particularly for primary schools and kindergartens, with various districts reporting scheduled breaks to keep children safe from the adverse weather conditions. Bageshwar District Magistrate, Ashish Bhatgai, said, "All government, semi-government, and private schools from Class 1 to 8 are on holiday today. We prioritize safety as these weather systems can create dangerous conditions for students."
The widespread rainfall across the Western Himalayan region will culminate with persistent weather warnings, potentially lasting through early March. The IMD anticipates continued uncertainties, advising travelers and local residents to stay informed about ever-changing conditions and heeding alerts as they continue to develop. Local news agencies reported, "Heavy snowfall and rain have kept Udhampur district on high alert, and it’s expected to remain under watch through Friday."
Authorities urge all individuals and travelers to remain cautious and only utilize designated routes to mitigate the risk of avalanches and landslides. The alarming alerts and warnings put forth by the IMD and various local authorities underline the significance of remaining aware and prepared for severe conditions.
Historically, North India has faced harsh weather conditions during the winter, but the intensity and frequency of these incidents have raised concerns among residents and officials alike. Awareness about the weather is imperative, as increased precipitation can lead to unforeseen flooding and landslide situations, echoing previous instances when communities dealt with severe disruptions.
With continuous monitoring of conditions and careful predictions by the IMD, everyone is reminded to stay tuned for updates as this western disturbance continues to shape the weather across multiple states. Authorities recommend precautions and preparedness plans for intensified weather activity extending through early March.