#srinagar

MeT forecasts rain, storms across J&K; flash flood, mudslide risk looms The Meteorological Centre Srinagar issued warnings of rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds across Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the risk of flash floods and mudslides in vulnerable regions. The forecast spans multiple days, with the weather department advising caution due to the potential for lightning, hailstorms, and strong winds. Temperatures in the region remained above normal, with Srinagar recording 31.5°C and Jammu hitting 41.8°C, both significantly higher than seasonal averages. The Valley and Jammu areas have experienced intermittent rainfall in recent days, prompting authorities to urge residents to avoid outdoor activities and stay clear of unstable structures during adverse weather. On Friday, the Meteorological Centre Srinagar predicted light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds for the coming days, with isolated areas facing flash floods and mudslides. The department emphasized that weather conditions on June 12 would remain partly to generally cloudy, with light to moderate rain and brief intense showers expected at several locations. Thunderstorms, lightning, and winds reaching 40-50 kmph, with gusts up to 60 kmph, were also flagged as possible. For the period from June 13 to June 17, the forecast maintained partly cloudy skies with light rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds at scattered spots. Similar conditions were expected on June 18 and 19. The advisory stressed the need for vigilance, as thunderstorms, lightning, hailstorms, and strong winds could occur during the day. The department warned that brief intense showers in isolated areas of both Kashmir and Jammu divisions could trigger flash floods and mudslides.#srinagar #jammu_and_kashmir #kashmir #jammu #meteorological_centre_srinagar

Jammu and Kashmir Braces for Rain and Storms Amid Heatwave The Meteorological Department in Srinagar has issued forecasts indicating that the region will experience a dramatic shift in weather patterns as a heatwave grips Jammu and Kashmir. While hot and dry conditions are expected to persist on Thursday, the department warned that rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, hailstorms, and gusty winds will sweep across the area starting from Friday. This transition comes as temperatures have surged to unprecedented levels over the past several days, with heatwave-like conditions anticipated to intensify around mid-June. According to the latest weather outlook, June 12 is projected to bring some relief, with generally cloudy skies and intermittent light to moderate rain, brief intense showers, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds. Wind speeds are expected to reach 40-50 kmph, with gusts potentially exceeding 60 kmph in parts of both south and north Kashmir. The advisory highlights the potential for severe weather events, including hailstorms and lightning, which could pose risks to infrastructure and public safety. From June 13 to June 17, the weather is likely to remain partly to generally cloudy, with scattered locations experiencing light rain, brief intense showers, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds. The Meteorological Centre has also issued a warning about the possibility of thundershowers, lightning, and hailstorms occurring in isolated to scattered areas during the evenings of June 11 and 12. These conditions are expected to create challenges for residents, particularly in the wake of prolonged dry spells. Authorities have raised concerns about the potential for flash floods and mudslides, especially in isolated areas of both the Kashmir and Jammu divisions, between June 11 and 14.#srinagar #jammu_and_kashmir #kashmir #jammu #metropolitan_department

Snowfall Lashes Higher Reaches of Jammu Kashmir as Rain, Hailstorms Batter Plains A fresh western disturbance brought heavy rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds, and hailstorms to several parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, while snowfall was reported in the Apharwat hills of Gulmarg and other elevated regions of north Kashmir. Weather officials attributed the erratic weather to above-normal temperatures that persisted across the Union Territory earlier in the day. The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar noted that intense showers, lightning, and thunderstorms occurred during the afternoon and evening, with localized flash floods and mudslides warned in vulnerable areas. The Met Centre issued a nowcast warning earlier in the day, highlighting the risk of hailstorms, lightning, and strong winds in districts such as Kulgam, Shopian, Rajouri, Ramban, Reasi, Udhampur, Doda, and Kishtwar. It also cautioned about potential flash floods due to short-duration, heavy rainfall. A lightning strike in Sazaan village triggered a forest fire in pine-covered regions, though no casualties were reported. Authorities advised residents to stay indoors during thunderstorms, avoid electric poles, loose structures, overhead wires, and old trees. Boating and shikara activities on Dal Lake and other water bodies were suspended during adverse weather conditions. Temperatures remained above seasonal averages across most regions. Srinagar recorded a maximum of 31.5°C, 3.5°C above normal, with a minimum of 18.5°C, 3.9°C higher than the seasonal average. Qazigund saw temperatures of 30.2°C and 16.4°C, both above normal, while Pahalgam registered 25.9°C and Kupwara 30.2°C. Gulmarg, typically the coldest tourist destination, had a maximum of 21.6°C. In the Jammu region, Jammu city was the hottest at 41.8°C, 3°C above normal, followed by Katra at 38.#srinagar #gulmarg #jammu_kashmir #met_centre #dal_lake

Srinagar Weather: Intense Sun Raises Daytime Temperatures, No Relief in Sight Srinagar, May 18, 2026 — Intense sunlight persisted from early Saturday, causing a significant rise in daytime temperatures across the region. The weather monitoring station at Lal Chowk recorded a maximum temperature of 30.2 degrees Celsius, which is 4.8 degrees above the average. The minimum temperature stood at 13.4 degrees Celsius, 1.7 degrees higher than normal. In Kajigund, a key entry point to Kashmir, the maximum temperature reached 30.5 degrees Celsius, 6.1 degrees above the average, while the minimum was 10.0 degrees Celsius, 0.1 degrees below normal. Pahalgam saw a maximum of 24.2 degrees Celsius, 2.3 degrees lower than the average, with a minimum of 6.4 degrees Celsius, 0.2 degrees above normal. Gulmarg recorded a maximum of 22.2 degrees Celsius, 5.6 degrees higher than the average, and a minimum of 7.4 degrees Celsius, 0.7 degrees below normal. According to the Meteorological Department’s forecast, the weather pattern for the coming days is expected to remain largely unchanged. On May 18, the region will experience dry conditions. However, clouds are anticipated to cover the sky on May 19 and 20, with light rain or thunderstorms possible in some areas. On May 21, clouds will persist, and light rain showers may occur in isolated regions. The weather is expected to remain dry on May 22 and 23, followed by cloudy conditions on May 24 and 25, with the possibility of light rain and thunderstorms in certain parts of the state. The sudden spike in temperatures has raised concerns among residents, particularly in urban areas where the heat is more pronounced. While the Meteorological Department has not issued any immediate warnings, the prolonged dry spell has prompted calls for water conservation measures.#pahalgam #srinagar #meteorological_department #gulmarg #kajigund

Snowfall and Rain Bring Relief to Kashmir Amid Heatwave Conditions In the early hours of Thursday, May 21, 2026, parts of the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir experienced fresh snowfall, while the plains were hit by heavy rain, leading to a drop in temperatures. Officials reported that the Gurez sector in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, Zojilla Pass on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway, and areas like Sonamarg were blanketed in snow. Several other peaks in the valley also received snow, transforming them into white-covered landscapes. Meanwhile, the plains, including the summer capital of Srinagar, faced intermittent rainfall that disrupted daily activities. The weather conditions marked a shift from the prolonged heatwave that had gripped the region. Officials noted that the heavy rainfall, which began late on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, caused significant damage. A road in Bandipora district was severely affected, with water and mud seeping into nearby homes. The downpours also triggered waterlogging and mudflows, further complicating movement in the area. The sudden change in weather provided temporary relief from the sweltering temperatures that had plagued Kashmir for weeks. The Meteorological Department issued a forecast indicating that the region could experience light rain and thundershowers, accompanied by gusty winds and hailstorms, over the next two days. The weather was expected to remain generally dry during the forenoon hours, with brief showers likely to occur in the late afternoon at isolated and scattered locations until May 25. This forecast suggested that the region would continue to see fluctuating weather patterns, with the potential for further disruptions.#srinagar #meteorological_department #jammu_and_kashmir #bandipora_district #zojilla_pass

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Highlights Golf's Role in Tourism and Youth Development Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized the potential of the region’s renowned golf courses to boost tourism and cultivate young talent in the state. Speaking at the inauguration of a golf tournament at the Royal Springs Golf Course in Srinagar on Sunday, Abdullah highlighted the strategic importance of golf as both a recreational activity and a platform for nurturing local athletes. Abdullah noted that Kashmir’s golf courses, including those in Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam, are among the finest in India. He praised the natural beauty of these locations, which he described as ideal for attracting both domestic and international golf enthusiasts. “If we talk about the most beautiful golf courses in India, then Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam easily rank among the top,” he stated. The Chief Minister outlined the government’s dual focus on promoting golf tourism and providing training opportunities for local players. He explained that the initiative aims to create a new generation of golfers in Kashmir while leveraging the region’s world-class facilities to draw tourists. “Our focus is to train local golfers and use these world-class courses to attract tourists. Through such tournaments, we want to build a new generation of golfers in Kashmir,” Abdullah said. According to Abdullah, the tournament attracted over 100 participants, including golfers from across India and abroad. He observed a growing trend of North Indian golfers choosing Srinagar for weekend getaways, drawn by the scenic surroundings and high-quality courses. “I hope this growing interest will benefit tourism in the Valley,” he added.#srinagar #gulmarg #jammu_and_kashmir #omar_abdullah #royal_springs_golf_course

Connecting Vande Bharat Express Service From Ludhiana To Srinagar Via Jammu Begins, Train Will Run From 9:19 Am The Indian Railways has launched a new Vande Bharat Express service connecting Ludhiana to Srinagar via Jammu, marking a significant improvement for pilgrims traveling to the Amarnath Yatra. The service, which commenced on 1 July 2026, offers a direct rail link between Ludhiana and Srinagar, drastically reducing travel time and enhancing convenience for devotees. The first train of the day departs Ludhiana at 9:19 am, operating on a schedule that allows pilgrims to complete their journey with minimal disruption. This development comes as a relief to pilgrims, who previously faced arduous road journeys through rugged terrain. The new service replaces the earlier, less efficient road routes, which often required multiple transfers and long hours of travel. The Vande Bharat Express, a modern 20-coach train, now accommodates up to 1,450 passengers per trip, a substantial increase from the 500 passengers that could be carried in the previous 8-coach train. This expansion ensures that more devotees can travel comfortably and safely, avoiding the overcrowding and delays that plagued earlier services. The cost-effectiveness of the rail journey is another major advantage. During peak pilgrimage seasons, air travel for the Amarnath Yatra typically ranged from ₹8,000 to ₹15,000, while the new rail service offers tickets at a fraction of that cost, with fares under ₹2,500. Additionally, the train route eliminates the need for expensive private car travel, which involves high fuel costs, toll taxes, and the physical strain of navigating mountainous roads. The rail journey also saves significant time, reducing the travel duration from Jammu to Srinagar from 7–8 hours by road to just 5 hours by train.#srinagar #indian_railways #ludhiana #vande_bharat_express #amarnath_yatra

Potholes mar key roads in Baramulla, highway stretch worst hit The 6-kilometer road stretch between Khanpora and Kanispora in Baramulla is in severe disrepair, with potholes widening over time due to a lack of maintenance. These deteriorating conditions have led to significant damage to vehicles and frustration among commuters. The Srinagar–Baramulla highway, particularly this stretch, has become a source of complaint as travelers endure a hazardous journey filled with deep potholes. Authorities have been criticized for neglecting road maintenance, leaving the district’s roads in a state of disrepair. Commuters, especially those traveling to healthcare centers such as GMC Baramulla or Srinagar hospitals, face heightened risks. Ashiq Hussain, a local resident, highlighted the dangers for expectant mothers, noting that the poor road conditions could lead to complications during travel to medical facilities. Transporters have also voiced concerns about the impact on their vehicles. Irshad Ahmad, president of the Transporters Association Baramulla, stated that potholes have caused extensive damage to suspension systems, increasing repair costs for drivers. The situation is not limited to Baramulla; the road from Sangrama to Sopore, a town known for its apple production, is similarly plagued by massive potholes. The condition of the bypass bridge connecting to Kupwara is equally alarming. Despite recent lighting installations, the bridge’s surface is severely damaged by potholes, posing a risk to vehicles carrying agricultural produce destined for markets across the country. Civil society members have repeatedly called for urgent action, emphasizing the need for a sustainable maintenance system. Fayaz Ahmad, a civil society member, explained that road damage worsens over time due to inadequate follow-up after macadamization.#srinagar #baramulla #khanpora #kanispora #gmc_baramulla

Four-Day Bank Holiday Next Week: Check the Dates Now Banks across several Indian cities will remain closed for four consecutive days starting next week due to public holidays. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released the annual bank holiday calendar, which outlines the specific dates and locations where banking services will be unavailable. Customers are advised to check the holiday schedule for their respective cities before planning visits to financial institutions. On March 17, banks in Jammu and Srinagar will be closed on Tuesday to commemorate Shab-e-Qadr, a significant Islamic observance. In other parts of the country, normal banking operations will continue as usual. The following day, March 19, will see closures in multiple cities including Belapur, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Imphal, Jammu, Srinagar, Mumbai, Nagpur, Panaji, and Vijayawada. This holiday is observed for several festivals such as Gudi Padwa (a traditional Marathi New Year), Ugadi Festival (Kannada New Year), Telugu New Year’s Day, Sajibu Nongmapanba (Cheiraoba, a Manipuri festival), and the first day of Navaratri. On March 20, banks in Jammu, Srinagar, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayawada, and other locations will remain closed to mark Eid-ul-Fitr, a major Islamic holiday celebrating the end of Ramadan. The final day of the four-day closure will be March 21, when banks across the country will be shut down to observe Ramadan-Eid, a festival marking the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan. The RBI’s holiday schedule highlights the cultural and religious significance of these dates, which vary by region and community. Customers are encouraged to plan accordingly to avoid disruptions in banking services.#srinagar #bengaluru #reserve_bank_of_india #jammu #belapur

Weather improves in J&K; rain, snow likely around Eid Following two days of rainfall in the plains and snowfall in hill resorts, mountainous regions, and high passes, weather conditions in Jammu and Kashmir have seen an improvement, with partially clear skies now visible across the region. The summer capital, Srinagar, is among the areas experiencing this shift. The change comes as the region prepares for the Eid holiday, with forecasts indicating potential for rain and snowfall during the festive period. The weather update was published on March 18, 2026, at 3:04 AM IST, by HT Correspondent based in Srinagar. Copyright 2026 HindustanTimes.#srinagar #hindustan_times #jammu_and_kashmir #eid #ht_correspondent

New Voter Data Released: A Deep Dive into Jammu and Kashmir's Electoral Roll Revision The latest electoral roll revision in Jammu and Kashmir has resulted in the addition of over 160,000 new voters, alongside the removal of 67,690 names and the correction of 229,920 entries. Official reports highlight the scale of the update, which aims to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the voter database across the Union Territory. Among the districts, Jammu recorded the highest number of deletions, attributed to duplicate and shifted entries, while Srinagar saw the most significant increase in new registrations. The revision reflects broader efforts to modernize and refine the electoral process in the region. Initiatives such as the Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program are playing a key role in this effort, focusing on expanding voter awareness and registration, particularly among youth, women, and marginalized communities. These programs underscore the government’s commitment to making electoral participation more inclusive and accessible. The data also reveals the challenges inherent in maintaining an accurate voter list. The removal of 67,690 entries underscores the need to address outdated or incorrect information, while the correction of 229,920 records highlights the complexity of reconciling discrepancies. Such updates are critical for ensuring fair and transparent elections, as they help prevent issues like voter fraud and ensure that every eligible citizen is properly represented in the electoral rolls. The revision comes at a time when voter registration and participation are central to political discourse in Jammu and Kashmir. The SVEEP program, which has been active in the region, is part of a larger national initiative to boost voter enrolment and engagement.#srinagar #jammu_and_kashmir #electoral_roll_revision #jammu #sveep_program

Snow, rainfall continue to lash Kashmir for second day Snowfall in Kashmir's upper reaches and moderate rain in the Valley plains persisted for the second consecutive day on Wednesday, according to officials. The precipitation, which began on Tuesday, marked the end of a prolonged dry spell in Jammu and Kashmir. Areas such as Keran and Macchil in Kupwara district, Gurez in Bandipora district, and the Sonamarg-Zojila axis in Ganderbal district experienced snowfall, while the Valley's plains, including Srinagar, continued to receive rain. The winter season, spanning December 2025 to February 2026, concluded with a significant shortfall in rainfall. The region received only 100.6 mm of precipitation, far below the normal of 284.9 mm. December alone saw a 78 per cent deficit, with actual rainfall at 13 mm compared to the normal 59.4 mm. January recorded 73.4 mm, a 23 per cent departure from the expected 95.1 mm. February, however, faced an even greater shortfall, with actual rainfall at 14.2 mm against the normal of 130.4 mm, representing an 89 per cent deficit. The unusually high temperatures in February further exacerbated the situation. Srinagar's average daytime temperature reached 15.6 degrees Celsius, surpassing the previous record of 14.9 degrees Celsius set in 2016. The second fortnight of the month saw temperatures rise to 20 degrees Celsius, pushing the monthly average past the 15-degree mark. While January saw some western disturbance activity, the rainfall remained below normal and could not offset December's deficit. Meteorological officials forecast continued cloudy weather with moderate rain or snow in higher reaches over the next 24 hours. Kupwara, Bandipora, Ganderbal, and Anantnag may experience moderate snowfall in a few areas.#srinagar #bandipora #kashmir #kupwara #ganderbal

Jammu and Kashmir Weather Today: Rain and snowfall likely, IMD issues advisory Jammu and Kashmir is expected to experience rain and snowfall today, marking a shift from several days of unusually warm weather. The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar has issued an alert, warning that higher elevations in Kashmir will see snowfall while plains will receive rain. Farmers are advised to pause agricultural activities, and high winds are anticipated. A dry spell is expected to follow the unsettled weather before another system arrives. The region has endured a prolonged heatwave, with temperatures significantly above seasonal averages. Until recently, the deviation from normal temperatures reached nearly 10 degrees. This unusual warmth has prompted officials to issue warnings about potential disruptions on mountain roads due to fresh snowfall. The weather forecast indicates cloudy skies across the Union Territory, with light to moderate rain likely in many areas. Snowfall is expected in higher reaches of north and central Kashmir. Fresh snow may impact travel on high-altitude roads and mountain passes. Farmers have been specifically advised to suspend agricultural work and spraying activities for the next two days due to the expected weather conditions. Thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds of 30–40 km per hour may occur on March 11. After the rain and snowfall, a dry spell is predicted from March 12 to 14, with another weather system potentially arriving after this period. Forecasters anticipate unsettled conditions through the third week of March. Light rain or snow is expected on the night of March 15, and further rain and snowfall may occur in several locations from March 17 to 20. Temperature readings from Tuesday highlight the unusual warmth: Jammu recorded a maximum of 31.2°C, 5.#srinagar #gulmarg #jammu_and_kashmir #indian_meteorological_department #kashmir_valley