SRINAGAR: Fresh snowfall in the higher reaches and rainfall in the plains brought much-needed relief to Jammu and Kashmir on February 25, following a prolonged precipitation deficit. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted continued wet conditions over the next three days as a western disturbance affects the region.
According to data compiled by Kashmir Weather, significant rainfall and snowfall were recorded across various parts of the Union Territory in the 24 hours leading up to 8:30 a.m. on February 25. Gulmarg received 33 millimetres of rainfall and an equal amount of snowfall, while Sopore recorded 32 millimetres of rain. Nowgam in Handwara witnessed 36.4 millimetres of precipitation, Bandipora received 26.5 millimetres, and Wular recorded 27 millimetres. Kupwara saw 20.3 millimetres of rainfall and 1.5 centimetres of snow, whereas Baramulla recorded 19.5 millimetres of rain. Pahalgam received 20.8 millimetres of rain, and Srinagar recorded 7.8 millimetres.
In the Jammu division, Banihal received the highest rainfall at 38.8 millimetres, followed by Batote with 30.1 millimetres and Poonch with 30 millimetres. Kishtwar saw 19 millimetres of rain, Bhaderwah recorded 16 millimetres, and Ramban had 14.5 millimetres. Jammu itself received only 1.4 millimetres of rain.
The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar stated that a western disturbance, a weather system bringing moisture-laden winds from the Mediterranean, was responsible for the latest spell of precipitation. The ski resort of Gulmarg, which recently faced the postponement of the Khelo India Winter Games due to insufficient snowfall, received an additional 7.6 centimetres of fresh snow by the evening.
The IMD has issued an advisory warning of an active western disturbance impacting Jammu and Kashmir from the evening of February 25 through February 28. This system is expected to bring widespread moderate rain, snow, and thunderstorms across the region. Meteorologists have predicted moderate to heavy snowfall in the middle and upper reaches of Kashmir, including areas such as Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Baramulla, Bandipora’s Gurez and Tulail valleys, Kupwara’s Machil and Tangdhar sectors, Shopian’s Pir Ki Gali, and the Qazigund-Ramban axis. In the Jammu division, snowfall is expected in Doda, Kishtwar, and the Pir Panjal Range. The advisory further states that isolated heavy to very heavy snowfall is possible over the higher reaches of South Kashmir and the Chenab Valley on February 27 and 28.
Authorities have warned of potential traffic disruptions along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway and possible impacts on air travel. Important routes such as Sadhna Pass, Razdhan Pass, the Sonamarg-Zojila axis, Sinthan Top, and Mughal Road may also be affected due to snow accumulation and poor visibility.
Jammu and Kashmir has faced a 70 per cent precipitation deficit this winter, leading to concerns over declining water levels in rivers and other water bodies, including the Jhelum. Officials have expressed fears that an acute water crisis may arise in the coming months if precipitation levels do not improve. The fresh spell of rain and snow has, however, brought some hope to residents, particularly those dependent on agriculture and horticulture. Experts say continued monitoring and preparedness are necessary as the region navigates these shifting weather patterns.
