Rains lash J&K

Srinagar Apr 18: Heavy rains lashed most parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday evening.

According to the Meteorological Department, the rains marked the onset of a two-day-long wet spell across J&K.

The sudden change in weather, driven by an active Western Disturbance, is expected to intensify over the next 48 hours, bringing along significant rain, snowfall, and thunderstorms.

According to the Meteorological Department, the current wet spell is expected to peak between the night of April 18 and the late hours of April 19.

The active Western Disturbance is likely to impact large parts of J&K and adjoining regions, triggering widespread light to moderate rainfall across the plains and snowfall in higher altitudes.

The MeT centre in Srinagar has warned that several regions, especially in the middle and upper reaches, could witness heavy precipitation.

Areas likely to be most affected include the Pir Panjal region and mountainous zones in Kashmir like Anantnag-Pahalgam, Kulgam, Sinthan Pass, Shopian, Pir Ki Gali, Sonamarg-Zojila, Bandipora-Razdan Pass, Gulmarg, and Kupwara-Sadhna Pass.

Besides rain and snowfall, the weather system is also expected to bring thunderstorms, lightning, and hailstorms.

Wind speeds may range from 40 to 50 km per hour, with gusty winds possibly touching 60 to 70 km per hour, the MeT said.

The adverse weather conditions are expected to cause considerable disruption to surface transport.

Authorities have issued warnings for possible traffic disruptions along key highways, particularly the Srinagar-Jammu and Srinagar-Leh National Highways, in addition to other roads traversing hilly terrain.

There is a heightened risk of landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones in vulnerable stretches.

“People travelling on these routes are advised to exercise extreme caution and follow traffic advisories,” a senior official said.

The MeT has also cautioned that moderate to severe thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds could occur in multiple locations, raising concerns for both public safety and infrastructure.

Farmers across the region have been strongly advised to suspend all agricultural operations from April 18 until the afternoon of April 21.

The ongoing wet spell could lead to a rise in water levels in rivers, streams, and nallas, with chances of waterlogging in low-lying urban and rural areas.