SRINAGAR/JAMMU, Oct 15: Several parts of Jammu and Kashmir received rainfall on Thursday, while fresh overnight snowfall blanketed the higher reaches of the Kashmir Valley, prompting authorities to deploy personnel and machinery to clear snow from key roads.
According to officials, Udhampur recorded the highest rainfall in the region at 59.6 mm, followed by Poonch at 39.5 mm, Samba and Shopian at 34 mm each, Baramulla at 29 mm, Katra at 23.1 mm, Kulgam at 18 mm, Ramban at 17 mm, Anantnag at 16 mm, Srinagar at 12 mm and Jammu at 7.6 mm.
Heavy rainfall triggered flash flood-like situations in several areas of the Jammu region, officials said. Widespread rain also affected the Kashmir Valley, with precipitation continuing through Thursday morning.
The Meteorological Department has forecast further rain and gusty winds across Jammu and Kashmir, with isolated hailstorms and light snowfall likely in higher-altitude areas.
Fresh Snowfall Blankets Mountain Areas
Higher reaches received intermittent snowfall for the third consecutive night. Popular tourist destinations, including Sonamarg and the upper reaches of Gulmarg, remained covered in fresh snow.
Snowfall was also reported in the upper reaches of Bhaderwah, Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri and Kathua, triggering cold wave-like conditions in several hilly districts of the Jammu division.
The fresh snowfall led to the closure of several important roads, including the Mughal Road, which provides an alternative connection between the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu region.
Authorities have deployed men and machinery to clear snow from affected stretches. Traffic movement will be permitted once road conditions are considered safe.
Travellers and transporters have been advised to exercise caution and plan their journeys according to prevailing weather and road conditions.
Temperatures Drop Across the Region
The wet spell over the past three days has brought a noticeable decline in temperatures across Kashmir, with daytime readings around 3 to 9 degrees Celsius below normal and minimum temperatures approximately 1 to 3 degrees below average.
Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 17.4 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 6 degrees Celsius. Jammu registered a maximum of 33.1 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 17.6 degrees Celsius, while Sonamarg recorded a minimum temperature of 2 degrees Celsius.
Weather Forecast for Coming Days
The Meteorological Department has forecast light to moderate rainfall at several places in the Kashmir Valley, accompanied by thunderstorms, gusty winds and isolated hailstorms. Light snowfall is also likely over higher elevations and important mountain passes in the Jammu region.
Weather conditions are expected to improve on October 16, with generally dry conditions forecast across much of Jammu and Kashmir, although isolated areas may receive brief spells of light rain. The weather is likely to remain generally dry until October 24, according to the forecast.
In the Jammu region, generally dry weather is expected on October 16, with light rain possible at isolated to scattered places.
Advisory for Farmers
The Meteorological Department has advised farmers to take precautions against the adverse weather and safely store harvested apples, paddy and other crops.
Authorities have also urged people travelling through mountainous areas to remain alert to changing weather conditions, particularly in locations vulnerable to snowfall, road blockages and sudden flooding.
The latest spell of rain and snow has brought colder conditions to the region, while road clearance and weather monitoring operations continue in affected areas.
