Fresh snowfall in Kashmir, plains lashed by rain

SRINAGAR — The scenic landscape of Kashmir is blanketed in fresh snowfall while the plains, including Srinagar city, are drenched in rain, as per the latest observations from the Meteorological Department. The forecast suggests that the inclement weather is expected to persist until February 21, followed by a period of relative calm until February 27.

A spokesperson from the Meteorological Department informed that in the Kashmir division, light to moderate rain and snowfall are anticipated in most places, including plains and lower reaches. Moreover, heavy to very heavy snowfall is expected over the middle and higher reaches of districts such as Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Budgam, and southern Kashmir until tomorrow.

On February 21, intermittent light to moderate snowfall is predicted in many areas until afternoon or late afternoon, with gradual improvement thereafter. However, the forecast indicates no significant weather activity until February 27.

In the Jammu division, intermittent light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning is expected in the plains, while light to moderate snowfall is forecasted over higher reaches, including isolated heavy snowfall in Ramban, Poonch, Doda, and Kishtwar until tomorrow.

Similarly, on February 21, intermittent light to moderate snowfall or rain is anticipated in many places until late afternoon or evening, followed by gradual improvement. Again, there is no significant weather activity expected until February 27.

Authorities caution that this weather system may lead to temporary road closures in higher reaches and key passes such as Sinthan Pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna Pass, Razdan Pass, and Zojila. Travellers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly.

Additionally, farmers are urged to suspend irrigation and fertilizer application while draining excess water from orchards and fields during this period. A significant drop in daytime temperatures is anticipated, according to the spokesperson.