SRINAGAR, OCT 20: Jammu and Kashmir is expected to witness predominantly dry weather conditions over the next three days, providing a favourable window for farmers to continue harvesting and other agricultural operations, while a brief spell of unsettled weather is likely on October 24, with light rain across parts of the Union Territory and light snowfall over higher reaches, according to the Meteorological Centre Srinagar.
As per the latest weather forecast, generally dry conditions are expected to prevail across Jammu and Kashmir from October 20 until the late afternoon of October 23. However, weather conditions are likely to change towards the night of October 23, with the possibility of thunder and gusty winds at isolated places extending into the forenoon of October 24.
On October 24, the region is likely to experience generally cloudy skies, with light rainfall forecast at scattered to many places and light snowfall over higher-altitude areas. The anticipated weather activity could bring a temporary change in conditions, particularly in the higher reaches, where temperatures have already dropped considerably during the autumn season.
The possibility of snowfall over elevated areas comes as Kashmir continues to experience chilly nights, with minimum temperatures at several locations hovering close to the freezing point. While the forecast indicates light precipitation, weather conditions in higher-altitude areas may differ from those in the plains, depending on local temperatures and the intensity of the weather system.
The Meteorological Centre has forecast a return to generally dry weather from October 25 through October 31, suggesting that the anticipated spell on October 24 is likely to be temporary. The forecast, however, remains subject to subsequent meteorological updates.
The latest temperature readings issued by the Meteorological Centre indicate a noticeable autumn chill, particularly in the Valley’s tourist destinations and higher-altitude locations.
Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 5.1°C, while Pahalgam registered 0.6°C and Gulmarg recorded 1.4°C. The low readings in Pahalgam and Gulmarg reflect the colder conditions prevailing in the higher reaches as Kashmir progresses further into autumn.
In the Jammu division, Jammu city and Katra both recorded minimum temperatures of 14.5°C. Banihal registered 6.6°C, while Bhaderwah recorded 5.1°C, highlighting the considerable variation in nighttime temperatures between the plains and mountainous areas.
The weather observations showed nil rainfall during the preceding 24 hours at the listed monitoring stations, indicating that the region had remained dry during the reporting period.
With harvesting and other agricultural activities continuing across Jammu and Kashmir, the forecast of predominantly dry weather until October 23 is expected to provide farmers with a useful opportunity to complete pending field operations before the anticipated change in weather.
The Meteorological Centre has advised farmers to continue harvesting and other agricultural activities in view of the prevailing forecast. The expected dry conditions over the subsequent period, from October 25 to October 31, could also offer further opportunities for agricultural work, subject to local weather conditions.
Residents, farmers and people travelling to higher-altitude areas have been advised to remain attentive to subsequent weather bulletins, particularly regarding the possibility of thunderstorms, gusty winds, rain and snowfall on October 24.
While no widespread or prolonged wet spell has been indicated in the current forecast, the expected weather change underscores the importance of monitoring updated advisories, especially in mountainous areas where conditions can change more rapidly.
