Jammu and Kashmir, along with Himachal Pradesh, witnessed fresh snowfall and rainfall on Thursday, bringing relief after a prolonged dry spell. The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar reported that Kashmir experienced an 80% deficit in rain and snow, while Jammu division faced an 83% shortfall from January 1 to February 20, raising concerns among those in the agriculture and horticulture sectors.
Fresh Snowfall in Kashmir’s Upper Reaches
Several parts of Kashmir, including tourist destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonmarg, recorded fresh snowfall. The upper reaches of north and central Kashmir received 8 to 10 inches of snow, while the plains witnessed widespread rainfall. With two more spells of rain and snow expected this month, the region is likely to see further improvement in moisture levels.
MeT Director Mukhtar Ahmad expressed hope that March and April would bring significant precipitation across J&K. “We expect two more spells of rain and snow by the end of this month,” he said.
Impact on Jammu and Transportation Disruptions
Jammu plains saw overnight rain, while the upper reaches of Doda, Ramban, Kishtwar, Rajouri, and Poonch districts received fresh snowfall. Due to dense fog and adverse weather conditions, the helicopter service from Katra to Sanjhi Chat was suspended.
Officials also suspended traffic on the 250-km-long Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) due to slippery road conditions, affecting connectivity between the two regions.
Himachal Pradesh Experiences Snowfall
In Himachal Pradesh, snowfall was reported in Shimla’s Kufri and Narkanda, as well as Kullu, Manali, Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, and upper areas of Sirmaur, Chamba, and Kangra districts. The MeT office has predicted further moderate snowfall in Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, and the higher reaches of Kangra, Chamba, Shimla, Kullu, and Mandi until Friday forenoon.
Light to moderate snowfall is expected at isolated locations in Himachal’s high-altitude areas on Friday, Saturday, and Monday, with a dry spell anticipated on Sunday.
Hope for Improved Conditions
The return of rain and snow is seen as a positive development, particularly in preventing forest fires across J&K. “More snowfall will be beneficial for our forests and help reduce the risk of wildfires,” said Irfan Rasool, Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir.
With the weather expected to remain active in the coming weeks, both J&K and Himachal Pradesh may finally see relief from the prolonged dry conditions that have impacted agriculture, tourism, and daily life.
Sources By Agencies