Srinagar, May 31, KNT: Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a sudden shift in weather conditions as widespread rain, thunderstorms, and fresh snowfall lashed several parts of the Union Territory, disrupting daily life, closing key roads, and prompting authorities to shut down educational institutions in some areas.
The Kashmir Valley received fresh snowfall and rainfall at multiple locations, particularly over the upper reaches including Gulmarg, Gurez Valley, Razdan Pass, and Zojila Pass. The MeT Department predicted that the current wet spell will continue for at least three more days, bringing with it more rain, thunderstorms, and even snowfall at higher elevations.
In a notable weather anomaly for this time of the year, Srinagar on Saturday recorded a maximum temperature of just 16°C, the lowest day temperature ever recorded in May. This comes barely a week after the mercury had soared to 34°C, a stark contrast that left residents and officials surprised.
The fresh snowfall over Razdan Pass forced authorities to temporarily shut down the Gurez-Bandipora road. Officials said the road was closed as a precautionary measure due to slippery conditions and poor visibility. Snow clearance operations are already underway, and the road will remain shut until further notice. Commuters have been advised to avoid travel along this route until weather conditions stabilize.
Meanwhile, light snowfall was reported from several upper reaches early Saturday, including Razdan Top, which recorded around three inches of snow, Peer Ki Gali (2-3 inches), and Minamarg-Drass area (1-2 inches). Snowfall was continuing in these regions at the time of filing this report. Light snow also began at Sinthan Pass, though no major accumulation was recorded.
In the Jammu Division, Ramban district bore the brunt of the bad weather as heavy rainfall and hailstorms battered the region, disrupting normal life and damaging local infrastructure. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had already warned of gusty winds reaching up to 50-60 kmph, thunderstorms, and intense showers across the region.
In light of the inclement weather, the District Development Commissioner Rajouri ordered the closure of all primary and middle schools in the district for May 31. The decision was taken as a precautionary step to ensure the safety of students and staff. The Chief Education Officer directed all Zonal Education Officers to enforce the order without delay.
Despite the disruptions, the sudden change in weather was a welcome surprise for tourists in Srinagar. “This cool, rainy climate has been a delightful change from the heat. Dal Lake looks absolutely stunning in this weather,” a visitor from Uttar Pradesh told KNT. “We heard that Kashmir experiences brief periods of heat followed by rain, and luckily, our trip coincided with this beautiful weather.”
Locals too expressed relief at the drop in temperature, calling the rains a much-needed respite after the recent heat wave.
The Irrigation and Flood Control Department confirmed that all river and stream levels remained within safe limits as of Saturday morning.
Key river levels included: River Jhelum at Sangam: 3.80 feet (Flood mark: 21 ft), Munshibagh: 6.83 feet (Mark: 18 ft), Asham: 5.09 feet (Mark: 14 ft), and Wullar Lake: 1575.80 m (Flood mark: 1578.00 m).
Tributaries such as Vishow, Rambiyara, Lidder, Doodhganga, and Sindh Nallahs also remained well below flood levels, suggesting no immediate risk of inundation.
Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the Meteorological Department, said that light to moderate rainfall with isolated heavy spells is expected to continue across J&K through the weekend. “Snowfall is likely over isolated higher reaches, and gusty winds with thunder are expected in both divisions,” he said.
For Srinagar, the IMD has forecast cloudy skies with light rain and temperatures ranging between 11°C and 24°C. In Jammu, partly cloudy skies with chances of light showers are expected, with temperatures ranging between 21°C and 37°C.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have urged people in vulnerable and hilly areas to remain cautious. [KNT]
