Will J&K Experience Rain and Snow for Three Days?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rain and snow forecasted from October 4 to 7.
- Severe weather may disrupt transportation.
- Farmers advised to halt activities.
- Increased risk of landslides and flooding.
- Preparedness is key after recent flooding.
Srinagar, Oct 3 (NationPress) The Meteorological (MeT) Department has released a weather warning indicating that rain will fall in the plains while snow is expected in the mountainous regions of Jammu and Kashmir, along with nearby areas starting Saturday.
This advisory, issued on Friday, indicates that a significant western disturbance is approaching J&K and its surroundings. As a result, light to moderate rain in the plains and snowfall in the elevated areas is anticipated from October 4 to 7, with the most intense conditions expected from the night of October 5 until the morning of October 7.
According to the MeT Department, due to this western disturbance, moderate to heavy snowfall is likely in regions such as Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian, Zojila Pass, Pir Ki Gali, Razdan Pass, Sinthan Pass, and Kupwara-Sadna Pass. Moderate snowfall is expected at mid-elevations, while light to heavy rainfall is forecasted for the plains of Kashmir, with isolated instances of very heavy rainfall in the Jammu area. Thunderstorms and lightning could accompany this weather, with wind speeds reaching 40 to 50 kilometers per hour, and gusts potentially hitting 60 to 70 kilometers per hour.
This severe weather is predicted to disrupt surface transportation across the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, the Srinagar-Leh highway, and all other roads in both mid and high-altitude areas of the union territory.
The advisory also highlighted the potential for landslides, mudslides, and falling stones in susceptible locations. Farmers are urged to halt all agricultural activities from October 5 to 7. A rise in water levels in rivers, streams, nallahs, and low-lying areas is also anticipated.
Recently, J&K faced unprecedented flooding during August-September, which led to significant devastation, particularly in the Jammu division. This disaster caused extensive damage to both private and public infrastructure, including roads, buildings, and various facilities.
Agricultural lands in Samba, Jammu, and Kathua, as well as orchards in Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama, and Anantnag, suffered severe damage due to the erosion of significant land portions.