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J&K Sees Relief Rains, Snowfall After Dry Winter; Farmers Advised

Rain and moderate snowfall have occurred across Jammu and Kashmir, bringing down temperatures and providing crucial relief to water bodies like the Jhelum River that were running very low. The MET department forecasts generally dry weather until March 14, followed by a period of light rain and snow, and has advised farmers to suspend operations until March 12. This precipitation is vital after an unusually warm and dry winter that caused early fruit bloom and raised concerns about summer water availability for irrigation and drinking. Day temperatures are expected to drop further in the coming days.

Key Points: J&K Rainfall & Snowfall Brings Temperature Relief

  • Rain lashes plains, snow in higher reaches
  • Dry weather forecast till March 14
  • Relief for water bodies after low discharge
  • Early fruit bloom due to warm February
2 min read

Rain lashes plains as snowfall occurs in some higher reaches of J&K

Rain and snow in Jammu & Kashmir lower temperatures, replenish water bodies, and bring relief after a dry winter. Farmers advised to suspend operations.

"Farmers have been advised to suspend farm operations till March 12 - MET department"

Srinagar, March 11

Rain lashed the plains of Jammu and Kashmir during the last 24 hours as moderate snowfall occurred in the higher reaches on Wednesday.

MET department officials said that rain and snow during the last 24 hours has brought down the temperature.

"Light to moderate rain/snow (in higher reaches) occurred in J&K during the last 24 hours while some higher reaches in Kishtwar, Ganderbal, Anantnag, Kupwara and Bandipora districts received moderate snowfall.

"Weather is expected to remain generally dry till March 14 and thereafter cloudy weather with light rain/snow (at higher reaches) is likely from March 15 to March 20.

"Farmers have been advised to suspend farm operations till March 12", the MET department advisory has said.

Rain and snow have brought in relief to the people especially in the Valley where Jhelum River and other water bodies including mountain streams, springs and wells were running with very low discharge.

Kashmir Valley witnessed unexpectedly high temperatures during the month of February and this resulted in early bloom of almond, apple, pear and other fruits.

Farmers and fruit growers have been expressing serious concern on the availability of water during the summer months. Except for a few late winter snowfalls, especially in southern districts of the Valley, winter was generally cold and dry this season.

All requirements of safe drinking water, water for irrigation and horticulture is completely dependent on the various water bodies. These water bodies are sustained by perennial water reservoirs in the mountains that get replenished during the winter months.

Little snowfall in winter means a dry summer.

Maximum temperature was 17.6 in Srinagar and 31.2 in Jammu city yesterday.

The minimum temperature was 10.5 in Srinagar, 2.4 in Gulmarg and 6.5 in Pahalgam today while Jammu city had 19.9, Katra town 19.6, Batote 14.5, Banihal 12.9 and Bhaderwah 9.8 today.

With appreciable rainfall during the last 24 hours, day temperatures are likely to come down further in the coming days.

Given its distance from West Asia, the probability of acidic rain or black snow has been ruled out in Kashmir.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Visiting Gulmarg next week. Hoping the fresh snow on the higher reaches means good conditions! The temperature drop is welcome after that unusually warm February.
P
Priya S
While the rain and snow are welcome, I hope the authorities are also focusing on water conservation and better management. Just one spell of good precipitation can't solve the long-term worry about dry summers. We need a more sustainable plan.
R
Rohit P
Good to see the MET department giving clear advisories to farmers. My uncle in Anantnag was worried about his apple blossoms after the early bloom. This weather should help stabilise things. Fingers crossed for more snow in the coming days as forecast!
V
Vikram M
The line "Little snowfall in winter means a dry summer" says it all. This isn't just about weather, it's about livelihoods in the Valley. Glad they've ruled out acidic rain concerns too. Nature providing some much-needed balance.
K
Kavya N
The temperature difference between Jammu (31.2!) and Srinagar (17.6) is always fascinating. The plains get the rain, the mountains get the snow – perfect for replenishing those all-important water reservoirs. Hope it continues till the 20th as predicted.

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