Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Mar 7: The Meteorological Department (MeT) today forecast a change in weather conditions across Jammu and Kashmir over the coming days, with light to moderate rain expected around March 11 and 12 and snowfall likely over higher reaches.
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Senior meteorologist Malik Mubeen Ahmad said that on March 7 there is a possibility of rain at isolated places in the Kashmir valley, while dry weather is likely to prevail in Jammu.
He said generally cloudy weather is expected across the Union Territory from March 7 to 9, with chances of light rain in the plains and snowfall over higher reaches at isolated places.
According to the forecast, precipitation activity is likely to increase between March 10 and 12, when light rain and snowfall over higher reaches are expected at many places.
Some higher reaches of Kupwara, Bandipora, Ganderbal and Anantnag districts may receive moderate snowfall, particularly in the Pir Panjal range.
Ahmad said March 11 and 12 are likely to witness light to moderate rainfall in several areas, accompanied by snowfall over higher elevations.
The MeT department has also predicted generally cloudy weather from March 13 to 15 and again from March 16 to 17, with light rain or snowfall over higher reaches at isolated places. Click here to watch video
He said both minimum and maximum temperatures have been rising in the region in recent days, with day temperatures increasing more significantly. However, the expected precipitation is likely to bring down temperatures.
Day temperatures may drop by 4-6 degrees Celsius at many places after March 9 and remain lower till around March 12, he said.
In view of the forecast, farmers have been advised to suspend farm operations from March 10 to 12 due to the possibility of rain and snowfall during the period.
The forecast comes at a time when J&K has witnessed a complete rainfall deficit in early March.
According to data released by the Meteorological Centre Srinagar of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Jammu and Kashmir recorded a 100 percent rainfall deficit between March 1 and March 4, 2026.
The seasonal rainfall report showed that the Union Territory received no rainfall during the period, against a normal precipitation of 18.8 mm, indicating a complete absence of rain.
Data compiled by the IMD revealed that all districts across Jammu and Kashmir reported zero rainfall, reflecting a -100 percent departure from the normal average for the period.
Among the districts, Anantnag (normal 17.6 mm), Budgam (9.7 mm), Bandipora (18.7 mm), Baramulla (18.3 mm), Srinagar (13.7 mm), Pulwama (9.5 mm), Kupwara (20.6 mm), and Shopian (6.7 mm) recorded no rainfall during the period.
Similarly, districts in the Jammu region, including Jammu (9.3 mm), Kathua (10.6 mm), Rajouri (12.9 mm), Samba (12.9 mm), Ramban (31.4 mm), Udhampur (24.6 mm), Poonch (23.6 mm), Reasi (19.2 mm), Kishtwar (23.4 mm), and Doda (23.4 mm) also recorded no precipitation, resulting in a complete rainfall deficit.
The report further showed that Ladakh (Leh) and Kargil also witnessed zero rainfall against normal values of 1.1 mm and 1.4 mm respectively.
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