Back-to-back Western Disturbances Triggering Widespread Snow in Jammu Kashmir From Jan 22 | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued a weather advisory warning that two Western Disturbances (WDs) are likely to impact Jammu and Kashmir and adjoining areas in quick succession between January 22 and 28, 2026, bringing widespread rain and snowfall, with heavy precipitation at isolated places.

According to the advisory issued by the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, the first and more intense Western Disturbance is expected to affect the region from January 22 to 24, with peak activity on January 23. A second disturbance, of moderate intensity, is likely to influence weather conditions from the night of January 26 till the forenoon of January 28, with peak impact on January 27.

The IMD said the first system is likely to cause heavy rainfall and snowfall over the Pir Panjal range, including the Chenab Valley in Jammu division and the middle and higher reaches of south Kashmir. Areas expected to be affected include Anantnag, Pahalgam, Kulgam, Shopian, Pir Ki Gali, Gulmarg, Sonamarg–Zojila axis, Bandipora–Razdan Pass, Kupwara–Sadhna Pass, and parts of Doda, Udhampur, Reasi, Kishtwar and Ramban districts.

Meteorologists have indicated that weather conditions are turning increasingly favourable for a strong winter spell, with a high probability of widespread snowfall, including in the plains, during the peak phase of the first disturbance. The main impact is expected between the night of January 22 and the afternoon or evening of January 23, when most parts of Jammu and Kashmir are likely to come under a rain or snow spell.

The IMD said temperatures during this period are expected to remain conducive for snowfall, while moderate to heavy precipitation, particularly during night hours, could enhance snow accumulation. Cold air advection from the west is also expected to trigger a sharp drop in temperatures on the night of January 23. Post-precipitation, calmer winds may further intensify night-time cooling, especially in areas with fresh snow cover.

Officials said snowfall during this spell is likely to be dry in nature due to strong cold air support, which typically leads to higher accumulation than wet snow. In the Jammu region, districts such as Doda, Poonch, Kishtwar and Ramban are likely to receive significant snowfall, while the plains of Jammu may experience moderate rainfall, with heavy spells at some places. Areas close to the Pir Panjal range are expected to be most impacted.

During the second Western Disturbance, moderate to heavy rainfall and snowfall is expected again over the Pir Panjal range, Chenab Valley and the middle and higher reaches of south Kashmir.

The IMD has cautioned that the weather activity may disrupt surface and air transport, including traffic on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway and other major roads in the higher reaches of the Union Territory. Landslides, mudslides and shooting stones are likely along vulnerable stretches, particularly in the Ramban sector, while gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 60 kmph are possible at isolated locations.

Travellers, tourists and transporters have been advised to plan their journeys carefully. People living in snow-bound areas have been cautioned against venturing into slippery and avalanche-prone zones, and residents in higher reaches have been advised to clear accumulated snow from rooftops to avoid structural damage. Farmers have also been advised to suspend irrigation, fertiliser application and chemical spray activities during the affected period.

The advisory has been forwarded to the Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu for information and necessary action. The IMD said a fresh forecast update will be issued on the morning of January 22 as more clarity emerges on precipitation intensity and exact snow distribution.