Fresh Rain, Snowfall Push Temperatures Below Normal in Jammu Kashmir | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: A fresh spell of rain and snowfall affected Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, pushing temperatures well below normal and disrupting routine life, traffic and essential services across the region.

Persistent rainfall in the plains and moderate snowfall in higher reaches brought back winter-like conditions, with several areas recording a noticeable decline in daytime temperatures.

In the Kashmir Valley, upper areas such as Pir Ki Gali Sonamarg and Gulmarg experienced fresh snowfall, while plains including Srinagar were hit by continuous rainfall. Officials said higher altitudes have been witnessing intermittent snowfall since Sunday, leaving most mountainous regions blanketed in fresh snow.

The weather conditions also attracted tourists to Gulmarg, where visitor numbers increased following ongoing snowfall.

In the Jammu division, light to moderate rain was reported in the plains, while snowfall continued in the higher reaches. The Mahu area in Ramban district received several inches of fresh snow, and rainfall persisted in parts of Reasi. Despite the adverse weather, the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway remained open for two-way traffic, although the Nashri–Banihal stretch saw continued rainfall.

Snowfall was also recorded in higher reaches of Kishtwar, including Sinthan Top, Marwah and Warwan, prompting authorities to restrict vehicular movement towards these areas as a precautionary measure.

The ongoing wet spell led to a sharp drop in temperatures, with Srinagar recording a maximum of 8.4°C, significantly below normal. Other weather stations across both Kashmir and Jammu divisions also reported below-average temperatures.

The India Meteorological Department has forecast continued unstable weather conditions until March 20, with intermittent rain and snowfall expected at several places. It has also warned of thunderstorms, gusty winds reaching 40–50 kmph and isolated hailstorms, and advised farmers to suspend agricultural activities during this period.