Gloomy Skies, Fresh Snow Dampen Kashmir’s Mood; Avalanche Alert Issued in North | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: A spell of intermittent rain and fresh snowfall has cast a gloomy spell across Kashmir, dampening public activity and market sentiment even as authorities issued an avalanche warning for higher reaches of North Kashmir.

The Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Disaster Management Authority (JKUTDMA) on Friday warned of potential avalanche activity in areas above 2,600 metres in Baramulla and Kupwara districts over the next 24 hours. Officials said these areas face a “medium danger” level and urged residents to avoid venturing into vulnerable slopes.

The advisory called for strict adherence to safety protocols, asking people in high-altitude areas to remain alert and follow official updates as conditions remain conducive for avalanches.

Since Sunday, most parts of Kashmir have witnessed continuous spells of rain, while higher elevations received fresh snowfall, signalling a return of winter-like conditions after an unusually warm and dry season.

Tourist resorts such as Gulmarg and Sonamarg recorded overnight snowfall, leaving mountains and upper reaches draped in fresh snow. Plains, including Srinagar, experienced steady rainfall through the night.

The wet weather has sharply pulled down daytime temperatures. Srinagar recorded a maximum of 9.5°C on Thursday—over six degrees below the normal—while night temperatures remained slightly above average due to cloud cover.

The current spell marks a significant reversal from the past winter, which saw a severe precipitation deficit across Jammu and Kashmir. The December–February period recorded a 65 per cent shortfall, with just 100.6 mm of precipitation against the normal 284.9 mm.

February was particularly dry, registering an 89 per cent rainfall deficit, accompanied by unusually high temperatures. In an unprecedented trend, Gulmarg recorded 17.2°C in early March—over 13 degrees above normal.

Officials said the ongoing rain and snowfall have now brought temperatures below seasonal averages, correcting the earlier anomaly.

Experts say the present weather could benefit crops and flowering plants by slowing down premature blooming triggered by earlier warmth.

According to agrometeorologist Sameera Qayoom from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), the cooler conditions are likely to delay bud burst and support more normal flowering cycles.

“Where flowering has not yet begun, the current weather is favourable,” she said, adding that while rainfall is unlikely to cause immediate damage, prolonged low temperatures could delay pollination.

The early bloom of tulips this year had already prompted advance opening of the Tulip Garden, with experts noting that continued moderate weather may help extend the lifespan of flowers.

Despite the inclement weather, religious activity remained largely unaffected. Over 31,000 pilgrims visited the Vaishno Devi Temple at Katra on the first day of Navratri, with devotees continuing their trek amid rain.

Authorities have put in place multi-layer security and logistical arrangements to manage the expected surge in pilgrims during the festival period.

Fresh snowfall in upper reaches has disrupted road connectivity in several areas, with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) undertaking snow clearance operations to restore movement.

The Meteorological Department has forecast improvement in weather from March 21, with generally dry conditions expected until March 25. However, brief spells of rain or snow are likely around March 23, followed by another wet phase between March 26 and 31, particularly in higher altitudes.

Farmers have been advised to resume agricultural operations during the dry window beginning Saturday.

For now, the persistent rain, low visibility, and chill in the air have subdued daily life across the Valley, with traders reporting a noticeable dip in market activity as people largely remain indoors.