Feeble Western Disturbances bring light rain, snow to parts of Kashmir, Ladakh

Srinagar, Mar 10: Feeble Western Disturbances brought light rain to parts of Kashmir and light to moderate snowfall in higher reaches of Ladakh on Tuesday, with the Meteorological Department forecasting intermittent spells of rain and snow across the region till March 20.

Officials said the precipitation is expected to bring some relief from the unusually warm temperatures prevailing across the Valley, although it is unlikely to significantly reduce the large rainfall deficit accumulated during the winter months.

Light rain was reported from several parts of Kashmir and light snow in higher reaches, while higher reaches in the Ladakh region, including Leh and Kargil, received light to moderate snowfall.

For the November-February period, Jammu and Kashmir recorded 106.7 mm of precipitation against a normal of 320.1 mm, marking a 67 percent deficit, according to Meteorological Department’s data.

The shortfall places J&K in the “large deficient” rainfall category.

Neighbouring Ladakh recorded 8.3 mm of precipitation against a normal of 16.8 mm, registering a 51 percent deficit during the same period, placing it in the deficient category.

Separate data show both divisions of Jammu and Kashmir recorded steep deficits during the winter season.

The Kashmir division received 96.5 mm of precipitation against a normal of 288.9 mm, registering a 67 percent deficit, while the Jammu division recorded 117.8 mm against a normal of 347.2 mm, reflecting a 66 percent deficit.

February was particularly dry, with only 14.2 mm recorded against a normal of 130.4 mm, representing a deficit of nearly 89 percent.

Meteorological Department Director Mukhtar Ahmad said the approaching Western Disturbances are weak and will bring only light precipitation across Kashmir.

“Though no major activity is expected, several areas across Kashmir have already recorded light rain, while higher reaches have received light snowfall,” Ahmad said.

He said another spell of precipitation is expected during the night of March 10 and 11, bringing light to moderate rain in plains and snowfall in higher reaches, particularly in parts of north Kashmir.

“A brief spell is also expected between the night of March 11 and the morning of March 12,” Ahmad said. “Further weak disturbances may affect the region between March 15 and 16 and again between March 17 and 18, bringing additional light rain and snow.”

According to the department, cloudy conditions are likely to persist across the Valley until March 20, with neither a major wet spell nor a prolonged dry period expected.

Ahmad said the precipitation would help bring down temperatures that have been running far above seasonal averages.

“Day temperatures are expected to drop by about 4 degrees Celsius by March 11, although they will still remain above normal,” he said. “Temperatures may gradually rise again before another slight dip around March 17 and 18.”

Even with the expected cooling, temperatures will likely remain above normal as they have been running 12 to 14 degrees Celsius higher than the seasonal average in the first nine days of March, he said.

Earlier, Kashmir recorded its warmest February in terms of average maximum temperatures this year.

In Srinagar, the average daytime temperature for February reached 15.6 degrees Celsius, surpassing the previous record of 14.9 degrees Celsius set in 2016.

The sustained warmth was particularly evident during the last two weeks of February, when daytime temperatures frequently hovered between 20 degrees Celsius and 21 degrees Celsius, pushing the monthly average to record levels.

Even traditional hill stations reported unusually high temperatures.

The ski resort of Gulmarg recorded 17.2 degrees Celsius, about 13.7 degrees Celsius above normal, while Pahalgam reached 22.7 degrees Celsius, nearly 12.7 degrees Celsius above average.

Several stations also recorded sharp departures from normal earlier this month. Srinagar and Qazigund each touched 25 degrees Celsius, roughly 12 degrees Celsius above seasonal norms, while Kupwara and Kokernag recorded 23.8 degrees Celsius and 23.9 degrees Celsius.

Meteorologists say the dry winter could have long-term implications for water availability in the region, as snowfall during the season plays a crucial role in replenishing glaciers, streams and irrigation systems.

Ahmad said March and April are climatologically among the wettest months in Kashmir, but added that it was too early to predict rainfall trends for the rest of the spring.

“It is premature to make a forecast for the coming weeks,” he said.

Authorities have advised travellers to remain cautious in higher-altitude areas.

“People travelling towards higher reaches such as Razdan Pass and the Sonamarg-Zojila axis should follow administrative advisories,” Ahmad said.

The Meteorological Department has also advised farmers to temporarily suspend activities such as spraying and irrigation until March 12, although routine field preparation and sowing work can continue.