Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Fresh snowfall was reported in the higher reaches of Kashmir, while several plains received rainfall on Thursday as Jammu and Kashmir braced for widespread precipitation over the next two days.
The Meteorological Centre has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall in parts of the Jammu region, particularly Poonch, while the higher-altitude areas of Kupwara, Bandipora and Ganderbal are likely to receive fresh snowfall.
The weather system is also likely to bring thunderstorms and gusty winds at isolated places, which could affect normal activities and road connectivity in vulnerable areas.
The forecast has prompted advisories for tourists, travellers and farmers, who have been urged to remain cautious and follow official weather updates before undertaking journeys, particularly towards mountainous destinations and higher-altitude routes. Farmers have been advised to take the necessary precautions to protect harvested crops and agricultural produce from the expected precipitation.
With fresh snow already covering several upper reaches and rain affecting the plains, the next 48 hours are expected to bring a further change in conditions across the Union Territory.
The spell is the first significant wet system of the season. It follows a forecast issued earlier in the week for a Western Disturbance between November 12 and 14, and the Bandipora Police advisory asking tourists to leave Gurez before the snow arrived. Higher reaches such as Gurez, Tangdhar and Gulmarg are usually the first to be affected, and roads over passes can become slippery or blocked within hours.
For the plains, the rain brings relief in terms of dry conditions but also leads to a drop in temperatures, as a cold season sets in. Residents in low-lying areas are generally advised to keep drainage channels clear, and civic bodies have been asked to be ready for waterlogging. Power utilities also prepare for faults caused by snow and gusty winds.
Tourism operators see early snow as a draw, though travellers are urged to check road conditions before leaving, particularly for Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam. The weather office is expected to issue updated bulletins, and the administration has asked people to stay informed.
