Many parts of Jammu and Kashmir were lashed by rain while higher reaches experienced fresh snowfall, leading to a sharp drop in temperatures across the region. The Meteorological Department has forecast continued wet weather for the next one week.
Security forces including the Indian Army, Border Roads Organisation (BRO/GREF) and Jammu and Kashmir Police rescued around 160 people who were stranded in nearly 70 vehicles at Sinthan Top in Kishtwar district and Peer Ki Gali along Mughal Road following heavy snowfall. Officials said several vehicles were also rescued from Chhattergalla between Sarthal in Bani and Guldanda in Bhaderwah.
Higher reaches of Kashmir including Affarwat, Zojila Pass, Peer Ki Gali and Doodhpathri received fresh snowfall while most plains of the Valley were lashed by rain since morning.
The snowfall and rain brought down maximum temperatures across the region. Srinagar recorded 11.5°C, Qazigund 11.4°C, Pahalgam 9.4°C, Kupwara 11.6°C and Kokernag 11.6°C, which were several degrees below the normal for this time of the year. Tourist resort Gulmarg recorded a maximum of 5.2°C.
In the Jammu region, Bhaderwah recorded a minimum temperature of 6.5°C, Banihal 6.1°C, Batote 11°C and Katra 15.8°C, while winter capital Jammu recorded 17.1°C on Sunday. The day temperature in Jammu dropped to 19.4°C, nearly 10 degrees lower than last week when temperatures had crossed 30°C.
According to the India Meteorological Department in Srinagar, unstable weather conditions are expected to continue till March 20 with intermittent rain and snowfall in several areas. Director MeT Mukhtar Ahmad said light to moderate rain and snowfall over higher reaches is expected at many places on March 15–16, followed by partly cloudy weather with isolated spells on March 17. Cloudy conditions with intermittent precipitation are likely again between March 18 and 20.
Meanwhile, authorities closed Mughal Road for all types of vehicular movement after fresh snowfall at Peer Ki Gali. Officials said around 20 vehicles were trapped there, and nearly 50 people were rescued by rescue teams.
In Kishtwar district, about 110 people trapped in nearly 50 light motor vehicles were rescued at Sinthan Top where snowfall accumulation reached nearly two feet. The rescue operation was monitored by district authorities till late evening.
Traffic on the Srinagar–Ladakh Highway was also suspended after fresh snowfall at Zojila Pass. The highway had briefly reopened earlier in the day after remaining closed for six consecutive days due to heavy snow accumulation. Around 300 vehicles, including passenger vehicles and carriers transporting vegetables, had been allowed to move from Sonamarg towards Kargil before traffic was halted again as a precaution.
Snowfall also blanketed the hills of Doodhpathri in Budgam district, while rain was reported from several areas of the Jammu region including Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, Ramban and Reasi. Traffic on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway remained smooth despite light rainfall.
Fresh snowfall in Bhaderwah valley has also boosted hopes for tourism and agriculture in the region after a prolonged dry spell. Snowfall was reported in higher tourist destinations including Guldanda, Chattergalla, Padri, Subar Dhar, Kailash Kund and nearby areas.
Locals said the fresh precipitation has reduced the rainfall deficit and brought relief to farmers and fruit growers who were worried about the impact of the dry winter on crops. The snow-covered landscapes have also started attracting tourists, leading to increased inquiries and higher hotel occupancy in the region.
