Srinagar, Apr 2 — The Meteorological Department on Thursday said wet weather is likely to persist across Jammu and Kashmir till April 10, with authorities issuing advisories for residents, farmers and travellers.
An MeT official said weather will turn generally cloudy from April 3, with intermittent light to moderate rain and snowfall at many places. “Thunderstorms, hailstorms, and gusty winds are also likely during the afternoon of April 3 through the evening of April 4,” he said.
Isolated higher reaches in both Kashmir and Jammu divisions may receive moderate to heavy precipitation during this period. The MeT office also warned of gusty winds reaching 40–50 kmph and cautioned that intense showers over short durations could trigger flash floods, landslides, shooting stones and waterlogging in vulnerable areas.
Weather is expected to improve briefly on April 5 and 6, with partly cloudy skies and light precipitation at isolated places, before fresh spells of rain and snow return between April 7 and 9.
Farmers have been advised to suspend agricultural operations, while travellers have been asked to plan journeys cautiously.
Meanwhile, the Traffic Police issued an advisory urging commuters to travel only after confirming road conditions and to avoid night journeys due to risks of landslides and shooting stones, particularly along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44).
Officials said traffic on NH-44 remained slow over the past 24 hours due to single-lane stretches and breakdown of heavy vehicles. Subject to weather conditions, all categories of vehicles will be allowed from both sides, with security convoys regulated through traffic control units.
The Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road (NH-244) remains temporarily closed, while traffic on the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari road will be allowed only after clearance and restricted beyond the 10:30 am cut-off due to avalanche risk near Zojila. Motorists have been advised to carry anti-skid chains.
Traffic on the Mughal Road will be limited to light motor vehicles, subject to weather conditions and official clearance.
Authorities have advised strict lane discipline and urged commuters to check real-time updates from traffic control units before travel.