Srinagar, October 3, 2025SRINAGAR – In a significant weather development, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an urgent alert for heavy rainfall and snowfall across Jammu and Kashmir, with Srinagar bracing for moderate to heavy downpours starting October 4. The impending Western Disturbance is expected to disrupt normal life, triggering concerns over flooding, landslides, and transportation snarls in the Kashmir Valley.The forecast, released by the IMD’s Srinagar office on Thursday, predicts widespread precipitation influenced by a potent low-pressure system originating from the western regions. “The system will intensify from the night of October 5 through the morning of October 7, leading to sustained moderate to heavy rainfall in the plains of the Kashmir Valley,” the advisory stated. Isolated pockets in the Jammu division may witness very heavy downpours, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, hail, and gusty winds reaching 40–50 km/h, with peaks up to 70 km/h.
Potential Impacts and Precautions
Authorities have flagged high risks to infrastructure, particularly along vital routes like the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and the Srinagar-Leh Highway. “Surface transport in interior hilly areas could face severe disruptions due to landslides and flash floods,” warned officials, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel. The Srinagar administration has activated emergency response teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), to mitigate potential damages.Historically, October in Srinagar sees relatively dry conditions, with average monthly rainfall hovering around 10–35 mm over 1–2 days, and daytime highs of 17–22°C. However, this year’s Western Disturbance—a recurring meteorological phenomenon bringing winter-like weather to northwest India—could shatter these norms, potentially elevating precipitation levels to heavy rainfall thresholds (over 64.5 mm in 24 hours).The IMD’s extended bulletin emphasizes the peak intensity on October 6, with heavy to very heavy rainfallspells likely over Northwest India, including Jammu and Kashmir. “A fresh intense Western Disturbance is poised to cause disruptions, with the highest impacts in the Kashmir region,” the release added. Higher reaches of the valley, including Gulmarg and Sonamarg, are forecasted to experience fresh snowfall, enhancing the autumnal chill as temperatures dip to 4–6°C at night.
Broader Context and Climate Notes
This event aligns with post-monsoon patterns, where Western Disturbances often deliver unseasonal rain and snow to the Himalayas. In Srinagar, such systems have previously led to scenic yet hazardous conditions, boosting tourism while challenging agriculture and horticulture sectors reliant on stable weather. Farmers in the apple-rich Kashmir Valley are advised to secure harvests against wind damage.The IMD recommends monitoring updates via official channels and preparing for power outages or waterlogging in low-lying areas. As of now, Srinagar enjoys clear skies with minimal rainfall on October 3, but the calm before the storm is palpable.Keywords: Srinagar rainfall, heavy rain Kashmir, Western Disturbance October 2025, snowfall Jammu Kashmir, IMD weather alert, flood risk Srinagar, landslides Kashmir ValleyFor real-time updates, visit the IMD website or local meteorological stations. Stay safe, Srinagar!
