Jammu: A sharp contrast in weather conditions was witnessed across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on Saturday as intense heatwave conditions gripped the plains of Jammu division, intermittent rains brought relief to Kashmir Valley, and an avalanche struck the Srinagar-Leh National Highway near Zojila Pass, disrupting traffic and triggering rescue operations.
Jammu city recorded a scorching maximum temperature of 39.5 degrees Celsius, which was 5.1 degrees above normal, making it one of the hottest days of the season so far.
The minimum temperature also remained above average at 22.8 degrees Celsius, around 2 degrees above normal, according to the Meteorological Department.
Katra, the base camp for pilgrims visiting the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, also witnessed intense heat, recording a maximum of 36 degrees Celsius, 6.2 degrees above normal, while the minimum settled at 23 degrees Celsius, 5.4 degrees above normal.
Officials said the persistent rise in both day and night temperatures created uncomfortable conditions, particularly during afternoon hours, with hot winds and dry weather affecting normal life across Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Reasi and Udhampur districts.
The MeT Department has predicted that hot and dry weather with isolated heatwave conditions is likely to continue over the plains of Jammu division for the next three to four days.
Residents have been advised to avoid heat exposure during peak afternoon hours and remain hydrated by consuming sufficient fluids, ORS and traditional cooling drinks like lassi.
In contrast, Kashmir Valley witnessed widespread intermittent rainfall overnight and during the morning hours, bringing major relief from the heatwave conditions that had prevailed over the past few days.
Srinagar, which had recorded a maximum temperature of 28.1 degrees Celsius—more than six degrees above normal—saw a sharp drop to 21.2 degrees Celsius on Saturday, nearly seven degrees lower and slightly below the seasonal average.
The overnight rain continued till late morning in several parts of the Valley, including Srinagar, while higher reaches also received precipitation. Light snowfall was reported from Zojila Pass, adding to the sudden weather shift.
All major weather stations in Kashmir reported below-normal day temperatures on Saturday. Officials said the rainfall significantly reduced the daytime heat and brought pleasant conditions across the Valley.
The weather office said Sunday is expected to remain generally dry, while scattered areas may witness light rain, thundershowers and gusty winds from April 27 onwards.
A brief spell of light rain and thunder is likely at a few places on April 29 and 30 during late afternoon hours.
Amid the changing weather conditions, an avalanche struck near Shaitan Nallah at Zojila Pass along the Srinagar-Leh National Highway on Saturday, affecting vehicular movement and creating panic among commuters.
Officials said the avalanche force hit several vehicles and pushed at least two tanker vehicles off the road, sending them down the slope. While no casualties have been reported so far, one driver is believed to be trapped inside a vehicle, and rescue teams are working to bring him out safely.
The incident disrupted traffic movement on NH-1, a crucial road link connecting Kashmir with Ladakh.
The district administration responded immediately, with SDM Drass Vishal Atri, SHO Drass Mohammad Abdullah and police personnel rushing to the spot to supervise rescue and relief operations.
Teams from ICPP Minamarg led by in-charge Fiyaz Ahmad also joined the operation and are assisting in clearing the affected stretch. Despite difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions, teams continued rescue efforts throughout the day.
Officials said two vehicles had been cleared by evening, while work was underway to remove snow debris and restore traffic movement. Authorities confirmed that the situation remains under control and there were no reports of injuries or fatalities at the time of filing this report.
The priority, officials said, remains the safe rescue of the trapped driver and the early restoration of traffic on the strategic highway.
The MeT advisory has also asked farmers to resume farm operations between April 26 and April 27 afternoon, while cautioning people about gusty winds, isolated thunderstorms and continuing heatwave conditions in Jammu division.
