Jammu and Kashmir is set to experience a three-day wet spell starting Saturday evening, with higher reaches likely to witness the season’s first snowfall, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast.
The IMD advisory predicts a strong western disturbance impacting J&K and adjoining areas from October 4, bringing widespread light to moderate rainfall and snowfall, particularly in high-altitude regions. The peak of the system is expected between the night of October 5 and morning of October 7.
Moderate to heavy snowfall is expected in areas including Anantnag-Pahalgam, Kulgam, Sinthan Pass, Shopian, Pir Ki Gali, Sonamarg-Zojila, Bandipora-Razdan Pass, Gulmarg, and Kupwara-Sadhna Pass. Middle-altitude areas may see light snowfall, while plains of Kashmir are forecast to receive moderate to heavy rainfall.
In Jammu, isolated locations may experience heavy to very heavy rainfall, along with thunderstorms, lightning, hail, and strong winds up to 50 km/h, with gusts reaching 70 km/h.
Authorities have warned of potential disruptions in surface transport on key routes, including the Jammu-Srinagar and Srinagar-Leh National Highways, as well as the risk of landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones in vulnerable areas. Farmers have been advised to suspend operations between October 5 and 7 to protect crops and equipment.
Heavy rainfall over a short duration may also raise water levels in rivers, streams, and nallas, causing possible waterlogging in low-lying areas.