• By Imran Zafar
  • Fri, 28 Feb 2025 08:21 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND

Continuous snowfall and rain have disrupted day-to-day operations in the hilly states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. On Thursday, heavy snowfall was reported in the higher altitudes, while lower areas experienced persistent rainfall, leading to a significant drop in temperatures by up to 10 degrees Celsius.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this weather pattern is expected to persist for three to four days. The snowfall and rainfall come as a relief for these states, which had experienced a dry spell in January and February.

Jammu and Kashmir Weather Updates 

Severe weather conditions in Jammu and Kashmir led to heavy snowfall in the mountains and continuous rain in the plains. Srinagar city also received snowfall late in the evening. Several key highways, including Jammu-Srinagar, Jammu-Poonch, and Srinagar-Leh, have been closed due to heavy snowfall, falling stones, and slippery roads, cutting off road connectivity to Kashmir.

The Mughal Road, connecting Kashmir to Jammu via Poonch, remains closed. Additionally, an avalanche struck on the National Highway in Zanskar, Kargil district. The Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE) in Chandigarh has issued a Level-4 avalanche red alert for Kargil, valid until February 28.

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Himachal Pradesh: Avalanche Threat Increases

Himachal Pradesh witnessed heavy snowfall in its higher regions and rainfall in the lower areas on Thursday, replenishing dried-up water sources. Atal Tunnel recorded three feet of snow, while Narkanda, Manali and Kufri saw five inches of snowfall. Avalanches were reported in Lahaul, Manali and Kinnaur, though no major damage occurred.

With heavy snowfall increasing the risk of avalanches, authorities have advised people in tribal areas to remain indoors. All roads in Lahaul, including the Manali-Kelang road, remain shut, and educational institutions in Lahaul-Spiti have been closed. Pangi in Chamba has received two to three and a half feet of snow, cutting it off from the rest of the district. The Meteorological Department issued an orange alert on Friday for heavy snowfall and rain.

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Uttarakhand: Orange Alert For Heavy Snowfall And Rain

The weather in Uttarakhand has also deteriorated, with cloud cover extending from the mountains to the plains. Snowfall in the higher regions and drizzle in the lower areas have intensified the cold. Mussoorie recorded 12 mm of rainfall and temperatures in Dehradun dropped by 10 degrees Celsius.

The Meteorological Department has predicted cloudy weather on Friday and issued an orange alert for heavy snowfall and rain in six districts. Several rounds of snowfall have been reported in Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri, adding to the challenges faced by residents and pilgrims.