Kashmir records heavy rains, snowfall in higher altitudes

Srinagar, Mar 14: Moderate to heavy rains lashed the plains of Kashmir, while higher reaches experienced light snowfall on Wednesday, marking the third consecutive day of adverse weather. The Meteorological Department has forecast an improvement in weather conditions starting Sunday.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the Meteorological Department in Srinagar, informed Rising Kashmir that as per the forecast, the plains would continue to experience rainfall, with moderate snowfall recorded in the higher reaches on Friday evening.
Dr. Ahmad further stated that prevailing weather conditions are expected to persist for the next 24 hours, with intermittent spells of light to moderate rain and snow (in higher altitudes) across most areas. On March 16, a brief spell of light rain and snow is expected in a few places in the morning, with weather improving by the afternoon.
From March 17 to 24, the weather is expected to remain generally dry, though cloudiness is anticipated on March 19.
Several regions across Kashmir have reported rainfall over the last 24 hours. Srinagar recorded 1.2 mm of rain, while Qazigund received 4.2 mm. Pahalgam saw 5.8 mm of rainfall, and Kupwara recorded 3.6 mm. Kukernag received 3.0 mm of rain.
Gulmarg recorded the highest precipitation, with 16.4 mm of rainfall along with 6.0 cm of snow accumulation. Banihal received 0.8 mm of rain, while Batote recorded 5.8 mm. Bhadarwah saw substantial rainfall at 13.4 mm, making it one of the wettest areas in the region.
As a result of the inclement weather, temperatures across Kashmir have dropped significantly. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 15.1°C, which is 5.6°C below normal, with a minimum temperature of 3.7°C. Qazigund had a high of 10.6°C (4.1°C below normal) and a low of 5.6°C.
Pahalgam saw a maximum of 6.0°C (6.0°C below normal), and the minimum temperature was 2.2°C. Kupwara recorded a high of 9.4°C (5.8°C below normal) and a low of 4.7°C. Kukernag saw a maximum of 8.9°C (4.7°C below normal) with a minimum of 4.5°C.
Gulmarg, as usual, remained the coldest with a maximum temperature of 1.8°C (3.2°C below normal).
In Jammu, the temperature remained relatively mild but still recorded a maximum of 22.4°C (3.2°C below normal) and a minimum of 15.7°C. Banihal reported a significant drop, with a maximum of 8.8°C (7.5°C below normal) and a minimum of 4.9°C. Batote had a high of 9.8°C (6.4°C below normal) and a low of 4.5°C. Katra saw a maximum of 20.4°C (0.4°C below normal) and a minimum of 12.6°C, while Bhadarwah recorded a high of 9.0°C (9.0°C below normal) and a low of 3.1°C.
Despite the weather, traffic along the 270-kilometer Srinagar-Jammu highway remained normal over the past 24 hours, with no disruptions reported. However, a few landslides were reported along the route.
On Saturday, subject to fair weather and improved road conditions, LMVs (light motor vehicles) and passenger/private cars will be allowed to travel in both directions on Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44).
The Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri road has been closed due to snow accumulation, while the Mughal Road, Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road, and Bhaderwah-Chamba route are already closed for vehicular movement due to heavy snow.
Additionally, the Karnah-Kupwara road has been closed after fresh snowfall at Sadhna Top. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has initiated snow-clearing operations to restore traffic.
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA) issued a medium-danger level avalanche warning for four districts of the Kashmir division. An avalanche is likely above 2400 meters in Bandipora, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, and Ganderbal over the next 24 hours. Residents in these areas are advised to take precautions and avoid venturing into avalanche-prone zones until further notice. For emergencies, the public is urged to dial 112.