𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐲 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬, 𝐒𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐫𝐮𝐩𝐭 𝐊𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐢𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞

Srinagar, May 31: Heavy rains drenched the plains of Kashmir on Saturday, while fresh snowfall covered the higher-altitude areas, disrupting normal life and causing temperatures to plummet across the region. The Meteorological Department forecasts improving weather from Sunday afternoon.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the Meteorological Department, told Rising Kashmir that moderate to heavy rainfall affected the plains, while snowfall continued in higher areas for the next 12 hours but will ease starting Sunday afternoon. Some parts of the Union Territory might experience heavy rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds, and intense showers on Saturday night.

In the last 24 hours, Poonch recorded 39 mm of rain, Baramulla 22 mm, and strong winds were reported in districts like Samba, Jammu, and Kathua. High-altitude places such as Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Gurez, Machil, Tangdar, Peer Ki Gali, Sinthon Top, Sukhnai, Warwan Valley, and Lolab valley saw fresh snowfall.

Residents of these snow-affected areas expressed concern over the unseasonal snowfall, which is unusual for this time of year and may affect crops and daily activities.

Authorities have also warned of possible landslides, mudslides, and flash floods in vulnerable regions due to heavy rain, advising people to avoid electric poles, weak structures, and old trees.

Temperatures across Kashmir dropped sharply, with Srinagar recording a high of 14.5°C—over 12 degrees below average—and a low of 11.8°C. South Kashmir’s Qazigund saw highs of 13°C and lows of 10.8°C, while Pahalgam recorded a chilly 8.2°C max, nearly 15 degrees below normal. Kupwara in north Kashmir had a maximum of 12.8°C and minimum of 10.1°C. Tourist spot Gulmarg was colder still, with highs of 6.8°C and lows of 4°C.

In Jammu, the city registered a maximum temperature of 32.9°C—six degrees below normal—and a low of 19.3°C. Banihal was cooler at 14.6°C max and 11.8°C min. Other areas like Batote, Katra, and Bhaderwah also saw below-normal temperatures, with Bhaderwah maxing out at 18.4°C.

Meanwhile, police in Anantnag successfully rescued eight passengers and a driver stranded at Sinthan Top due to snowfall. After receiving a distress call, officers from Police Station Larnoo promptly reached the site and evacuated everyone safely despite difficult weather and terrain.

Authorities urge travelers to exercise caution and stay informed about weather updates before traveling to high-altitude, snow-prone areas.

Continuous rains over the past two days have temporarily raised water levels in streams and tributaries, but the Irrigation and Flood Control Department confirms the situation is improving, with no flood threat currently. Key water bodies such as Vishow Nallah, Rambiyara Nallah, Doodhganga Nallah, and Sindh Nallah are seeing receding water levels.

In Jammu, the Chenab River at Akhnoor also saw increased water levels due to ongoing rains, prompting precautionary alerts for nearby riverbank communities.

Due to fresh snowfall, the Mughal Road connecting Shopian with Rajouri and Poonch has been temporarily closed as a safety precaution. Traffic authorities say movement will resume once weather and road conditions improve, with passenger vehicles allowed first and heavy vehicles regulated based on the situation.