Jammu-Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh Brace For Heavy Snowfall This Week As Fresh Western Disturbance Arrives
IMD forecasts snowfall and rain in Jammu and Kashmir. The Western Disturbance is expected to bring heavy snowfall to Ladakh while Himachal also braces for heavy snowfall, with an orange alert issued.
The higher reaches of Kashmir witnessed fresh snowfall, while the plains were lashed by rain on Tuesday, bringing respite after a prolonged dry spell, officials said.
According to officials, the popular tourist destination of Gulmarg and its surrounding areas received fresh snowfall, while higher altitudes across the valley also experienced snowfall in the afternoon, news agency PTI reported. Meanwhile, the plains, including Srinagar, recorded rainfall, causing a significant drop in daytime temperatures.
The Meteorological Department has forecast continued wet weather in the region over the next 96 hours, warning of moderate to heavy snowfall and rain in certain areas. This development has raised hopes of alleviating the significant precipitation shortfall of nearly 80 per cent in January and February.
IMD Advisory for Jammu and Kashmir
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an advisory on Tuesday, warning of an active Western Disturbance affecting Jammu and Kashmir from the evening of 25 February to 28 February.
"Under the influence of this weather system, widespread moderate rain, snow, and thunderstorms are expected across Jammu and Kashmir. Light to moderate rain and snow will begin in north and central Kashmir on the evening or night of 25 February, gradually intensifying and expanding across the region," the advisory stated.
It also cautioned that the weather system could disrupt air and surface transportation, particularly in higher-altitude areas.
"The middle and higher reaches of Kashmir and hilly areas of Jammu are likely to receive moderate to heavy snowfall, while a few higher reaches of south Kashmir and the Chenab Valley may experience heavy to very heavy snowfall, particularly on 27 and 28 February," it added.
Farmers have been advised to suspend agricultural activities during this period due to the risk of landslides, shooting stones, and mudslides in vulnerable locations. The advisory also noted that due to the prolonged dry spell, river discharge levels in Jammu and Kashmir are at their lowest, with many springs in the Kashmir Valley either dried up or barely functioning. Experts warn that unless the higher reaches receive substantial snowfall before winter ends, the region could face a severe water crisis in summer.
Ladakh to Witness Heavy Snowfall on February 26, 27
The IMD also issued specific weather updates for Ladakh, stating that the ongoing Western Disturbance is expected to persist until 28 February, bringing moderate to heavy snowfall in Kargil and Zanskar and light to moderate snowfall in parts of Leh, Nubra, and Changthang. The heaviest snowfall is anticipated on 26 and 27 February, with a possibility of temporary road closures and avalanches in hilly areas such as Zojila-Drass and Khardong La.
Authorities have advised travellers, transporters, and tourists to plan their movements accordingly and adhere to official traffic advisories. The IMD has also warned of a significant drop in daytime temperatures during this period.
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Himachal Pradesh Braces for Heavy Rain, Snow; Orange Warning Issued in 4 Districts
The Himachal Pradesh Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rain and snowfall at isolated locations in the state on 27 and 28 February, PTI reported. An orange warning has been issued for heavy to very heavy rain and snow in Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi districts on 27 February (Tuesday), while heavy rain and snowfall are expected in these areas on 28 February (Wednesday).
A yellow warning has also been issued for heavy rain in Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti, and Mandi districts on 26 February (Monday), with a wet spell forecast across the state until 1 March.
Although the weather remained largely dry on Tuesday, traces of precipitation were recorded in some areas. Overcast skies and strong winds led to a drop in maximum temperatures by three to eleven degrees. Una, which recorded a high of 28.0 degrees Celsius on Monday, saw its maximum temperature drop to 20.6 degrees Celsius, as per PTI. However, minimum temperatures remained two to seven degrees above normal, with Kukumseri being the coldest location at night, recording a low of minus 7.9 degrees Celsius.
Himachal Pradesh has recorded 50.6 mm of rainfall during the winter season from 1 January to 25 February, significantly below the normal of 172.2 mm, marking a 71 per cent shortfall. All twelve districts reported below-average rainfall, with deficits ranging from 80 per cent in Bilaspur to 56 per cent in Kullu.
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