J&K: Intense Snowfall Till March 3, Authorities Urge People To Avoid Avalanche-Prone Areas

The IMD has issued rainfall alerts in northwest plains such as Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh from 1 March to 3 March.

File Photo: Snowfall in Gulmarg

Source : PTI Images

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted 'intense' snowfall and rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Leh on February 29 and March 1 on Thursday.

जम्मू-कश्मीर-लद्दाख में 1 मार्च को अलग अलग स्थानों में भारी वर्षा/बर्फबारी (64.5-115.5 मिमी) और 2 मार्च 2024 को भारी से बहुत भारी वर्षा/बर्फबारी (115.5-204.4 मिमी) होने की संभावना है। pic.twitter.com/m3ExbDEMYp

— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) February 28, 2024

In a statement, the IMD stated, "An active Western Disturbance is expected to impact the Western Himalayan Region from February 29 and the plains of northwest India from March 1 to March 3, with the peak intensity on March 1st and 2nd, 2024". 

An advisory issued by the Jammu and Kashmir authorities said that "Travellers/tourists are advised to plan accordingly & follow admin/traffic police advisory to stay updated."

In view of the heavy to very heavy snowfall over a few middle and higher reaches, the authorities advised the people over hilly areas not to venture into Avalanche-prone areas and sloppy areas. It also urged farmers to withhold irrigation and other farm operations during the 1st week of March.

Here's All You Need To Know: 

• Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh is expected to receive isolated heavy rainfall/snowfall (64.5-115.5 mm) on March 1 and heavy to very heavy rainfall/snowfall (115.5-204.4 mm) on March 2, 2024.
• Widespread moderate rain/snow is expected over most places of J&K from February 29 evening till March 3 (Afternoon) with peaks on March 2 and 3. 
• The plain areas of Kashmir division are also likely to receive moderate rain/snow while plains region in Jammu may receive moderate rain with the possibility of heavy rain over Ramban, Udhampur & Reasi during March 1 and 2 (Late night).
• Uttarakhand may experience heavy rainfall/snowfall (64.5-115.5 mm) at isolated places on March 1 and 2, 2024.

IMD Predicts Rainfall In North India: 

• Himachal Pradesh is likely to witness isolated heavy rainfall/snowfall (64.5-115.5 mm) on March 1st. On March 2nd, IMD predicts 115.5-204.4 mm of rainfall/snowfall in the state. During the winter season, Himachal Pradesh received 105 cm of rains, a 37% deficit from January 1 to February 24, compared to the normal rainfall of 166.6 mm. However, February saw an excess of 21% with 98.3 mm against the normal 81.3 mm.

Hailstorm activity also very likely at isolated places over Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab on 1st & 2nd March; over West Rajasthan on 1st and over Haryana, Chandigarh, East Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and north Madhya Pradesh on 2nd March

— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) February 29, 2024

• The weather monitoring agency said that isolated hailstorms may occur over Himachal Pradesh on March 1st and 2nd.
• Punjab is also anticipated to witness hailstorms on March 1 and 2.
• Isolated hailstorms are likely over Haryana and Chandigarh on March 2nd as per IMD's forecast.
• Inclement weather conditions such as rainfall and hailstorms may occur over West Uttar Pradesh on March 2.