Srinagar, April 2,: A prolonged spell of erratic weather is set to affect Jammu and Kashmir till April 10, with the Meteorological Centre Srinagar forecasting multiple phases of rain, snow and thunderstorms across the Union Territory.
According to officials at the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, generally cloudy conditions with intermittent light to moderate rain and snowfall are expected at many places from April 3 afternoon to April 4 evening.
The forecast indicates that this phase will be accompanied by thunder, hailstorms and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour at isolated locations. Higher reaches are likely to receive moderate to heavy snowfall during this period.
Officials said the weather is expected to improve slightly on April 5 and 6, with partly cloudy skies and chances of brief light rain at isolated places. However, the relief is likely to be temporary.
A fresh spell of light to moderate rain and snowfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds, is forecast at many places between April 7 and April 9, indicating continued instability in weather patterns across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Meteorological Department has issued an advisory urging residents and authorities to remain cautious during the active weather phases.
“There is a possibility of landslides and shooting stones, especially in vulnerable stretches,” officials said, referring to key highways and hilly terrain routes.
Low-lying areas may also experience waterlogging due to intermittent rainfall, which could impact urban mobility and drainage systems.
Farmers have been advised to suspend agricultural operations during April 3 and 4 in view of adverse weather conditions, including rain and hailstorms that may damage crops or disrupt sowing activities.
Travellers and transporters have also been asked to plan journeys carefully, particularly on routes prone to landslides and weather-related disruptions.
The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, which serves as a critical link between the Valley and the rest of the country, remains especially susceptible to shooting stones and temporary closures during such weather events.
Locals in higher altitude areas have been advised to prepare for snowfall accumulation, while those in plains have been cautioned about thunderstorms and gusty winds.
The overall forecast suggests that Jammu and Kashmir will continue to experience unsettled weather over the next week, with alternating phases of precipitation and brief clear intervals. [KNT]
