Srinagar: The independent weather forecasting agency Kashmir Weather has forecast a series of western disturbances set to influence Jammu and Kashmir beginning March 15, bringing spells of rain and snowfall across the region over the coming days.
According to the agency forecast, the first western disturbance will impact the Union Territory on March 15 and 16, leading to widespread precipitation with overall intensity expected to remain light to moderate.
Higher altitude tourist destinations including Gulmarg and Sonamarg are likely to witness fresh snowfall during the period. Several high mountain passes may receive snowfall ranging from around six inches to nearly two feet over the 48-hour period.
The forecast also indicates a sharp drop in daytime temperatures from the afternoon of March 15, with temperatures expected to remain 5–8 degrees Celsius below normal on March 16, resulting in a noticeable cold spell across the region.
Meanwhile, two additional western disturbances are expected to affect Jammu and Kashmir from late evening on March 17 through March 20. These systems are likely to bring intermittent light to moderate rain or snow showers, with breaks between the spells rather than continuous precipitation.
The agency added that if Eid falls on March 21, weather conditions across the region are expected to remain mostly dry on March 21 and 22. Further updates will be issued if there are any changes in the forecast, it said.
