SRINAGAR, March 28, 2025 – The Director of the Meteorological Department, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, has forecasted a turbulent weather pattern across Jammu and Kashmir, with strong winds, rain, and thunder expected to persist until late evening today. The advisory, issued on Friday morning, warns residents and travellers to brace for gusty conditions and intermittent showers as a weather system sweeps through the region.
According to Dr. Ahmad, isolated areas in both the Kashmir and Jammu divisions are likely to experience light rain and thunderstorms throughout the afternoon and into the late evening. “Strong surface winds reaching speeds of 60-70 km/h are expected, accompanied by thunder in several pockets,” he said. The forecast aligns with reports of gusty winds already sweeping parts of the Union Territory, despite patches of sunny and clear weather earlier in the day.
The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar highlighted that the current weather disturbance, driven by a western system, will begin to dissipate by late evening, paving the way for dry conditions from March 29 through April 6. “We expect a gradual clearing after today, with stable and warmer weather taking over tomorrow,” Dr. Ahmad noted, offering relief to a region accustomed to unpredictable spring shifts.
Authorities have urged caution amid the strong winds and rain. Travelers, tourists, and transporters are advised to follow administrative and traffic updates, while the general public has been cautioned to avoid boating, Shikara rides, and standing near weak structures or electrical wires. “The wind speeds could pose risks, so we recommend staying indoors where possible,” a MET official added. Farmers, meanwhile, have been given the green light to resume operations starting Saturday as the weather stabilizes.
The forecast has sparked concern among locals, particularly in low-lying areas prone to waterlogging during sudden downpours. “We’ve seen thunder and strong winds before, but it’s always a worry when it comes this early in the season,” said Gulzar Ahmad, a resident of Baramulla. In contrast, some welcomed the rain as a respite after a dry spell, with hopes it might benefit early spring crops.
As Jammu and Kashmir navigates this bout of turbulent weather, the J&K Police and district administrations remain on alert, ensuring essential services like electricity and water supply—already prioritized for Shab-e-Qadr and Jummat Ul Vida—face minimal disruption. The Director MET’s update serves as both a warning and a reassurance: while strong winds, rain, and thunder dominate today, calmer days lie just ahead.