Snow returns to Kashmir heights as rain drenches valley, erratic weather likely till April 10

Fresh snowfall was reported in several higher reaches of Kashmir on Friday, while the plains, including Srinagar, witnessed widespread rainfall as a strong western disturbance affected Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

According to officials, snowfall occurred in areas such as Mughal Road in Shopian in south Kashmir and Sadhna Top in Kupwara in north Kashmir. Rain lashed Srinagar and other plains of the valley , with several areas experiencing waterlogging and slippery roads due to continuous showers.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the current spell of weather is linked to an active western disturbance that has brought widespread rainfall and scattered snowfall across the Union Territory. Heavy rain in the valley on Friday disrupted normal movement in several areas and affected daily life.

Authorities issued a travel advisory urging people to avoid non-essential travel , warning that the combination of rainfall, snowfall and gusty winds could make roads hazardous. Tourists and residents have been advised to remain cautious, particularly near water bodies and vulnerable areas.

The MeT Department said intermittent light to moderate rain or snowfall is likely to continue at many places till Saturday evening, accompanied by thunderstorms, hailstorms and gusty winds . IMD forecasts also indicate the possibility of isolated heavy rainfall over the Kashmir Valley on April 3–4 and hailstorm activity in some areas.

Wind speeds may reach 40–50 kmph , while thundersqualls could occasionally be stronger during the peak phase of the weather system. Such conditions may damage trees, power lines and standing crops, and could pose risks to people and livestock in open areas.

Weather experts said snowfall is also likely in several key mountain passes and tourist destinations in higher altitudes, potentially affecting road connectivity and travel.

The department warned that intense showers may trigger flash floods or landslides in vulnerable areas and lead to waterlogging in low-lying parts of the valley.

According to the forecast, erratic weather conditions are likely to persist till April 10 . After a brief improvement around April 5–6, another western disturbance may bring fresh spells of rain, snowfall in higher reaches and gusty winds between April 7 and 9.

In view of the forecast, the MeT Office has advised farmers to suspend farm operations until the weather stabilises.