Srinagar, April 21, 2025 – The Meteorological Centre, Srinagar, issued a nowcast update at 1430 hrs IST, forecasting a spell of light to moderate rain, thundershowers, thunder, lightning, gusty winds, and hailstorms over many parts of South Kashmir. The advisory comes amid ongoing severe weather conditions that have already caused significant disruption across Jammu and Kashmir, including deadly flash floods and landslides in Ramban district.
The nowcast warns residents to stay indoors, avoid water bodies, loose structures, and landslide-prone areas due to the risk of intense showers and hailstorms, particularly in districts like Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian, and Pulwama. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributes the adverse weather to an active western disturbance, which has triggered heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds across the region since April 18. South Kashmir, known for its orchards, faces potential damage to crops and fruit trees, as hailstorms have already wreaked havoc in areas like Shopian, according to local reports.
The broader weather event has caused widespread disruption. In Ramban district, a cloudburst on April 20 triggered flash floods and landslides, killing three people, blocking the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) at multiple points, and disrupting power and water supply. The highway, critical for connectivity, remains partially closed, with debris clearance ongoing. Across Jammu and Kashmir, high-velocity winds reaching 90–114 kmph, coupled with heavy rain and hail, have uprooted trees, damaged homes, and caused power outages in all 10 districts of the Jammu division.
“Moderate rain with intense showers, thunder, lightning, and gusty winds will persist in South Kashmir for the next few hours,” said a Meteorological Centre official. “Residents should exercise caution, especially in low-lying and hilly areas prone to flash floods and landslides.” The advisory aligns with earlier warnings issued on April 16, which forecasted cloudy skies, light to moderate rain, and snow in higher reaches through April 20, with a possibility of heavy precipitation in isolated areas.
Farmers have been urged to suspend agricultural operations until April 22 due to the risk of crop damage from hail and strong winds. The J&K administration, in coordination with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), is monitoring vulnerable areas, particularly along the Pir Panjal range and major highways like the Jammu-Srinagar and Srinagar-Leh routes, where landslides and mudslides are a concern. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has directed officials to prioritize rescue and relief efforts, while Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha assured support for affected communities.
The IMD predicts that rainfall activity will decrease significantly from April 22, with generally cloudy skies and light rain at scattered places. However, the immediate focus remains on ensuring public safety and restoring normalcy in affected areas. Residents are advised to follow traffic advisories and rely on official updates from the Meteorological Centre and district authorities.
For real-time weather updates, visit the IMD website or follow the Meteorological Centre, Srinagar, on social media.
