More Rain, Snow Forecast For Kashmir Till March….

After experiencing a major wet spell over the past few days, the weather across Jammu and Kashmir improved on Saturday. However, the Meteorological Department has predicted that light rain and snowfall may continue in some areas till March 12.

Weather Forecast for the Coming Days

The Director of the Meteorological Department, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, stated that generally cloudy weather is expected on Sunday (March 3), with the possibility of light rain and snow at isolated places late at night.

• On March 3, there could be light to moderate rain and snow in most areas. Higher reaches in North and Central Kashmir may even witness moderate to heavy snowfall.
• March 4 to 9 is expected to remain mostly dry.
• A new spell of rain and snow is predicted between March 10 and 12.

Advisory Issued for Tourists and Farmers

In light of the weather conditions, the MeT department has issued an advisory urging tourists, travelers, and transporters to follow official guidelines.

• Farmers have been advised to suspend irrigation and other farm operations until March 4.
• There is a risk of landslides, rock falls, and shooting stones at vulnerable locations.
• People should avoid avalanche-prone areas and follow DGRE’s avalanche warnings and bulletins.

The recent spell of rain and snowfall from February 26 to 28 has raised water levels in rivers, including the Jhelum.

Rainfall Recorded Across the Region

Various regions of J&K received significant rainfall till Saturday morning. According to official data:

• Qazigund recorded 12.2 mm of rainfall.
• Kokernag received 11.2 mm of precipitation.
• Srinagar experienced 1.4 mm of rainfall.
• Batote (Jammu Division) had 28.8 mm of rainfall, while Banihal recorded 19.0 mm.
• Bhaderwah saw 10.0 mm of rainfall.
• Jammu and Katra received 7.6 mm and 7.0 mm, respectively.

Jammu-Srinagar Highway Reopens After Two-Day Closure

The 270-km Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the only all-weather road connecting Kashmir to the rest of the country, was reopened for light motor vehicles on Saturday after road restoration work.

The highway was shut down on Thursday evening due to:

• Heavy snowfall
• Multiple landslides in the Ramban district
• Mudslides and shooting stones at several locations, including Kishtwari Pather, Moum Passi, Hingni, Panthiyal, Mehar, and Dalwas.
• Slippery roads between Qazigund and Ramsu due to snowfall.
• A major landslide blocking one tube of the Kunfer-Peerah tunnel.

The repair work was delayed due to continuous rains on Friday. However, on Saturday morning, efforts to clear the 66-km Banihal-Nashri stretch were intensified as the weather improved.

Traffic Restrictions and Precautions

A traffic department spokesperson confirmed that light motor vehicles (LMVs) were allowed to move from Jammu to Srinagar and vice versa. However, he urged travelers to:

• Follow lane discipline and avoid overtaking to prevent congestion.
• Travel only during daylight hours and avoid unnecessary stops between Ramban and Banihal due to possible landslides and shooting stones.
• Heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) will be allowed later, based on road conditions.

Challenges in Road Restoration

Ramban Deputy Commissioner Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary reported that at least 16 spots along the 66-km highway stretch were affected by rainfall and landslides.

• The road has been cleared at most locations, except Mehar, where a portion has sunk, reducing the road’s width. Authorities aim to fix this in the next two weeks.
• A landslide at Peerah has not affected traffic, as vehicles are being diverted through another tunnel.
• All stranded vehicles have been cleared, and commuters are advised to check traffic advisories before traveling.

Conclusion

With the reopening of the Jammu-Srinagar highway and an improving weather forecast, normalcy is gradually returning to Jammu and Kashmir. However, authorities continue to monitor vulnerable areas, urging caution for travelers and residents. While dry weather is expected from March 4 to 9, another wet spell is anticipated between March 10 and 12.