Srinagar, March 23,: The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has forecast a spell of unsettled weather across Jammu and Kashmir later this week, with rain, snowfall in higher reaches and gusty winds expected from the night of March 28.
According to the forecast, weather conditions will remain generally dry on 25, followed by partly cloudy skies with a possibility of light rain or snow at isolated places on March 26.
The advisory gains significance as the region is expected to witness a shift in weather patterns from March 28 night, which could impact agriculture, travel and routine activities in several areas.
Officials said March 27 and 28 will largely remain dry until evening, after which light rain, snowfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds are likely at many places across the Union Territory.
The MeT Centre has warned that from March 29 to 31, generally cloudy conditions will prevail with a possibility of light to moderate rain in plains and snowfall over higher reaches at many locations. Thunderstorms and gusty winds with speeds of 40–50 kmph are also expected during this period.
“Possibility of moderate snow over a few higher reaches with thunder, lightning and gusty winds cannot be ruled out between the night of March 28 and March 31,” an official from the MeT Centre Srinagar said.
In view of the forecast, authorities have issued an advisory urging farmers to suspend farm operations on March 26 and again from March 29 to 31 to avoid losses due to adverse weather.
Travellers have also been advised to follow traffic advisories and plan their movement carefully during the period of expected weather disturbance, particularly in hilly and vulnerable areas.
From April 1 to 4, the weather is expected to remain partly to generally cloudy, with no major disturbances indicated during that period.
Officials said the situation will continue to be monitored, and updates will be issued as necessary depending on the progression of the weather system.
Weather patterns in Jammu and Kashmir during this time of year often include transitional conditions, with occasional western disturbances bringing rain, snow and wind activity, particularly affecting higher altitude areas and impacting road connectivity and agriculture. [KNT]
