SRINAGAR: Fresh snowfall in Kashmir’s higher reaches, heavy rainfall and hailstorms in parts of the Pir Panjal range and adjoining areas brought down temperatures on Wednesday, prompting the administration to advise people to exercise caution amid the possibility of continued wet weather.
Razdan Pass, Zojila Pass and several other high-altitude areas received fresh snowfall, while lower areas of the Pir Panjal range witnessed intense rainfall and hailstorms during the afternoon, officials said.
The wet spell disrupted normal life and caused waterlogging at several places. Officials also reported rising water levels in local streams and nallahs, prompting precautionary advisories for residents.
The administration has asked people to stay away from streams, rivers and drains, avoid unnecessary movement and remain alert in landslide-prone and low-lying areas until weather conditions improve.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 18.2 degrees Celsius, 4.6 degrees below the seasonal average, while the minimum settled at 10.5 degrees Celsius, 4.2 degrees above normal.
Kupwara recorded a maximum temperature of 15 degrees Celsius, 8.3 degrees below normal, while Gulmarg recorded a maximum of 8 degrees Celsius, 5.7 degrees below the seasonal average. In Pahalgam, the maximum temperature was 17 degrees Celsius, 2.6 degrees below normal, while the minimum settled at 7.6 degrees Celsius, 4.9 degrees above normal.
The weather office has forecast light to moderate rainfall at many places across Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, with light snowfall over higher reaches. Thunderstorms, gusty winds and hailstorms are also likely at isolated places from late Thursday afternoon through the night and into early Friday morning.
Weather conditions are expected to remain generally dry on Friday, although brief spells of light rain may occur at isolated places. The IMD has forecast dry weather across the region from October 17 to 24.
The meteorological department has advised farmers to ensure the safe storage of harvested apples, paddy and other crops on October 14 and 15 in view of the possibility of rain, gusty winds and hailstorms.
Travellers and transporters have also been advised to plan their journeys carefully and follow traffic advisories, particularly because of the possibility of snowfall on mountain passes and highways. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant until conditions improve.
Landslide blocks Uri highway stretch
A massive landslide triggered by heavy rainfall blocked the National Highway near Rajerwani in Uri on Wednesday, disrupting vehicular movement as falling stones and debris continued to pose a threat to commuters.
The landslide occurred near ADIT-4, adjacent to NHPC Uri-I, where large quantities of earth, stones and debris accumulated on the road, officials said.
Authorities have advised commuters to avoid the affected stretch until clearance operations are completed and the road is declared safe for traffic. Vehicles have been directed to use the alternate route via Gingle–Dawaran–Paranpillan–Bandi–Uri.
Official sources said the accumulated debris was hampering clearance efforts, particularly during night hours. The situation is being monitored, while officials assess the damage and requirements for restoring safe traffic movement.
The incident has renewed concerns over the vulnerability of road stretches in Uri during heavy rainfall. The road near NS Bridge has also drawn attention amid ongoing road-widening work and concerns over loose soil, slippery surfaces and possible slope instability in wet weather.
Locals have urged the authorities to closely monitor vulnerable locations, strengthen safety measures and ensure timely debris clearance to minimise inconvenience and prevent accidents.
Commuters have been advised to exercise caution, follow the prescribed diversion and avoid the affected stretch until further notice.
