Srinagar, Mar 9: After weeks of unusual warmth and an alarming lack of precipitation, Kashmir is finally bracing for a long-awaited shift in weather that could bring much-needed relief to its rivers, farms, and fragile ecosystems.

The Valley, which endured record-breaking February temperatures and historically low rainfall, is now expected to witness cloudy skies, light rain, and snowfall in higher reaches over the coming days.
According to the Meteorological Department, the weather pattern is likely to change between March 10 and March 12, bringing light snowfall to several northern and central districts, including Kupwara, Bandipora, Ganderbal, and Anantnag.
Authorities have advised farmers to suspend agricultural activities during this period as intermittent precipitation and cloud cover may affect field operations.
Similar weather conditions are expected to persist from March 13 to 15 and again from March 16 to 17, signalling a gradual transition from the prolonged dry spell that has gripped the region since early winter.
“Daytime temperatures will dip by 4–6 degrees Celsius after March 9, offering relief from the prolonged warm spell,” said Director of the Meteorological Department, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed.
The warning comes after an unusually dry and warm winter that raised concerns among scientists, farmers, and policymakers alike. Srinagar recorded only 5.3 millimetres of rainfall in February 2026 — the lowest for the month since 1960. Jammu city, meanwhile, registered zero rainfall, marking only the second February without precipitation in 101 years of recorded data.
Overall, February experienced a rainfall deficit exceeding 65 percent, while December and January recorded deficits of more than 83 percent, highlighting the severity of the dry spell.
Experts warn that the situation extends beyond a single dry season. With snowfall far below normal levels, the region’s rivers and streams — which rely heavily on winter snowpack — are already showing signs of stress.
“A dry winter, with precipitation nearly two-thirds below normal, has left the Valley’s rivers gasping. The warmth that usually signals spring has arrived prematurely, yet without the snowmelt that sustains Kashmir’s lifeline,” they said.
The consequences are particularly worrying for the agriculture and horticulture sectors, which form the backbone of Kashmir’s rural economy. Paddy cultivation depends on steady irrigation from snow-fed canals, while fruit orchards rely on soil moisture reserves to survive rising temperatures.
“With water levels at historic lows, farmers face delayed sowing, reduced yields, and growing uncertainty,” said a farmer, Ghulam Rasool.
According to experts, climate change is altering precipitation cycles, shrinking snowpacks, and intensifying temperature extremes.
“A Valley once defined by predictable snowfall and spring melt is being thrust into volatility,” they said. “Adaptation measures are urgently needed. These include improving irrigation infrastructure, promoting soil moisture conservation techniques such as mulching, and supporting farmers with climate-resilient practices like micro-irrigation and shade protection.”
For now, residents across Kashmir are watching the skies, hoping that the forecasted clouds and rains will bring the first signs of relief after an unsettling winter.