MET Issues Advisory as Western Disturbance to Bring Heavy Rain and Snow in Jammu Kashmir

SRINAGAR: The Meteorological Department has issued a weather advisory warning of heavy rain and snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir from October 4 to 7 due to an approaching Western Disturbance.

According to the advisory issued by the MET office in Srinagar, widespread light to moderate rain and snowfall over higher reaches is likely between October 5 and 7, with peak activity expected from the night of October 5 to the morning of October 7. The plains of the Kashmir division are forecast to receive moderate to heavy rainfall, while parts of Jammu may witness heavy to very heavy downpours accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, hailstorms, and strong winds reaching 40–50 km/h, gusting up to 60–70 km/h.

Higher-altitude areas including Anantnag–Pahalgam, Kulgam, Sinthan Pass, Shopian, Pir Ki Gali, Sonamarg–Zojila, Bandipora–Razdan Pass, Gulmarg, and Kupwara–Sadhna Pass are likely to experience moderate to heavy snowfall, while middle reaches may receive light snow.

Authorities have cautioned that the weather system could disrupt surface transport, particularly along the Jammu–Srinagar and Srinagar–Leh National Highways, and other hilly routes. There is also a risk of landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones in vulnerable stretches, especially slope-prone areas.

The advisory further warned of rising water levels in rivers and local streams, along with possible waterlogging in low-lying areas. Farmers have been advised to suspend agricultural and harvesting operations between October 5 and 7 to prevent crop damage.

The advisory, issued for public awareness, urged residents and travellers to remain alert and take necessary precautionary measures.