Weather Alert in India-Administered Kashmir: Rain and Snow Likely Until March 19, Says Meteorological Department

Srinagar: Authorities in Srinagar say unsettled weather conditions are expected to continue across Jammu and Kashmir until March 19, with intermittent rainfall in the plains and snowfall predicted in higher elevations.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the region could witness cloudy conditions and scattered precipitation over the coming days, potentially affecting travel on mountainous routes.

According to the meteorological centre in Srinagar, rainfall during the last 24 hours was scattered across the Kashmir Valley, with some areas experiencing showers while others remained dry.

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Cloudy Skies and Light Rain in Plains

Weather officials said that conditions are expected to remain generally cloudy through Thursday, with light to moderate rainfall in the plains and scattered snowfall in higher altitudes.

However, forecasters predict a brief dry spell on March 13 and 14, offering temporary relief from the ongoing wet conditions.

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The weather pattern is expected to change again by the weekend.

Snowfall Possible in Higher Reaches

According to the forecast:

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• March 15–16: Skies likely to remain cloudy with light rain in plains. Snowfall is expected in higher areas during the night of March 15 and early morning of March 16.

• March 17: Mostly cloudy conditions with chances of light rain or snowfall at isolated locations during the night.

• March 18–19: Cloudy weather likely to persist with scattered rain or snowfall across parts of the region.

Weather conditions are expected to stabilize afterward, with generally dry weather predicted for March 20–21, officials said.

Advisory Issued for Mountain Routes

The meteorological department has also issued an advisory warning of possible temporary disruptions on high-altitude roads and major mountain passes due to changing weather conditions.

Officials urged commuters and travelers to remain cautious, particularly in areas prone to snowfall or slippery road conditions.

Mountain highways and high passes frequently face traffic interruptions during sudden weather shifts in the region.

Severe Rainfall Deficit Recorded This Winter

The latest weather outlook comes after the region experienced a significant rainfall deficit during the winter season.

Meteorological data shows that between December 2025 and February 2026, precipitation levels were 65 percent below normal across the region.

During this period:

• Normal rainfall: 284.9 mm

• Actual recorded rainfall: 100.6 mm

Monthly breakdown reveals:

• December: 13 mm recorded against a normal of 59.4 mm (78% deficit)

• January: 73.4 mm recorded against a normal of 95.1 mm (23% deficit)

• February: Only 14.2 mm recorded against a normal of 130.4 mm (89% deficit)

Although some western disturbance systems affected the region in January, they were not strong enough to offset the major deficit recorded earlier in the winter season.

Impact on Water Resources and Agriculture

Weather experts say prolonged precipitation shortages can affect snow reserves, water availability, and agriculture across the Himalayan region.

Snowfall in the higher mountains plays a crucial role in replenishing rivers and irrigation systems during spring and summer.

The current forecast of intermittent snowfall in elevated areas could therefore provide limited relief to the region’s water reserves, though experts caution that the broader seasonal deficit remains significant.