Current weather conditions likely to persist throughout the day: MeT
Fresh Snowfall in Higher Reaches of Kashmir, Light Rains Lash Plains
Srinagar, Mar 27: Several higher-altitude areas in Kashmir received fresh snowfall on Wednesday, while light rains lashed the plains, bringing a significant drop in temperatures. The Meteorological Department has predicted that cloudy weather conditions will persist until Thursday evening.
Director of the Meteorological Department Kashmir, Mukhtar Ahmad, confirmed that snowfall was recorded in various higher reaches, including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Amarnath Cave, and Doodhpathri, along with hilly areas in Shopian and other districts. He added that light snowfall is expected to continue over the next 24 hours.
In light of the forecast, the MeT department has issued an advisory for travelers, tourists, and transporters, urging them to follow local administration’s traffic guidelines before planning trips. Farmers have also been advised to suspend farm operations from March 26 to March 27, while residents in higher reaches have been cautioned against venturing into avalanche-prone and landslide-prone areas.
Weather & Temperature Updates
According to MeT data, maximum day temperatures in Jammu and Kashmir have remained 1-5°C above normal, with Kathua recording the highest at 31.2°C. Minimum night temperatures have also stayed 2-7°C above normal, with Gulmarg registering the lowest at 0.8°C in Kashmir and Bhaderwah at 9.3°C in Jammu.
While light rain began in parts of the Valley on Wednesday afternoon, its intensity remained low. However, the dip in temperatures was noticeable across the region due to the inclement weather.
Traffic Advisory & Road Conditions
The fresh snowfall along Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri Road and Mughal Road has affected traffic movement. Authorities have restricted traffic on these highways for Thursday to ensure safety.
A Traffic Department spokesperson stated that the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) remains open, while Mughal Road is still blocked and the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri (SSG) Road remains slippery, preventing traffic movement.
Subject to fair weather and improved road conditions, passenger light motor vehicles (LMVs) will be allowed from both Jammu and Srinagar on NH-44 on Thursday. However, Traffic Control Units (TCUs) in Jammu and Srinagar will coordinate with TCU Ramban before releasing the vehicles.
Authorities have advised travelers to stay updated with the latest traffic bulletins before planning their journeys.
