Western disturbance to bring heavy rain, snow to J&K, Ladakh from Oct 5

Weeks after heavy rains and flashfloods wreaked havoc in the Jammu region, the Meteorological Department has issued a fresh warning of heavy rainfall and snowfall across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, which may trigger landslides and affect standing crops.

According to the Meteorological Centre in Srinagar, an active western disturbance is expected to impact the region from October 5 to October 7, with peak activity likely between the night of October 5 and the morning of October 7. Under the influence of this system, widespread light to moderate rain and snowfall (over higher reaches) is expected across Jammu and Kashmir.

The weather disturbance is likely to bring moderate to heavy snowfall in higher-altitude areas including Anantnag, Pahalgam, Kulgam, Sinthan Pass, Shopian, Pir Ki Gali, Sonamarg-Zojila, Bandipora-Razdan Pass, Gulmarg, and Kupwara-Sadhna Pass. Light snowfall is also expected in mid-altitude areas. Meanwhile, the plains of the Jammu division are likely to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall, accompanied by strong winds reaching speeds of 60–70 kmph.

Senior scientist at IMD Ladakh, Sonam Lotus, confirmed that the disturbance will affect Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, and parts of Himachal Pradesh. He warned that temporary closures are likely at key mountain passes including Zojila, Changla, Shinkula, Paralachala, Sinthan Top, Mughal Road, and Razdan Top. He added that the weather may disrupt traffic on major routes such as the Jammu-Srinagar, Leh-Manali, Kargil-Srinagar, and Zanskar-Himachal highways between October 6 and 8.

Lotus advised tourists, transporters, and the general public to plan their travel accordingly for safety and convenience. He also warned that the expected rain and snowfall could damage standing crops. Farmers have been advised to move harvested crops and fruits to safer locations to prevent losses.

The IMD has further cautioned that landslides and shooting stones are likely in hilly areas and along highways due to the anticipated precipitation.

This weather warning follows a series of recent natural disasters in the Jammu region. On August 14, over 60 people were killed in flash floods in Kishtwar, while on August 26, 34 people lost their lives due to landslides en route to the Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district.

Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and follow official advisories to avoid risk during the upcoming weather disturbance.