The India Meteorological Department (IMD), on Monday issued a weather advisory warning of two Western Disturbances likely to impact Jammu and Kashmir and adjoining areas in quick succession between January 22 and 28, 2026, bringing widespread rain and snowfall, with heavy precipitation at isolated places.
According to the advisory issued by the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, the first and more intense system is expected to affect the region from January 22 to 24, with peak activity on January 23.
The second disturbance, of moderate intensity, is likely to influence weather conditions from the night of January 26 till the forenoon of January 28, with peak impact on January 27.
The IMD as per news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) said the first system is most likely to cause heavy rainfall and snowfall over the Pir Panjal range, including the Chenab Valley in Jammu division and the middle and higher reaches of south Kashmir.
Areas likely to be affected include Anantnag, Pahalgam, Kulgam, Shopian, Pir Ki Gali, Gulmarg, Sonamarg–Zojila axis, Bandipora–Razdan Pass, Kupwara–Sadhna Pass, and parts of Doda, Udhampur, Reasi, Kishtwar and Ramban districts.
During the second system, moderate to heavy rainfall and snowfall is expected over the Pir Panjal range, Chenab Valley and the middle and higher reaches of south Kashmir.
The IMD has cautioned that the weather activity may disrupt surface and air transport, including traffic on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway and other major roads in higher reaches of the Union Territory.
Travelers, tourists and transporters have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly.
People living in snow-bound areas have been asked to avoid venturing into slippery and avalanche-prone zones. Farmers have also been advised to suspend irrigation, fertiliser application and chemical spray activities during the affected period.
The advisory further warned of the possibility of landslides, mudslides and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 60 kmph at vulnerable locations.
The advisory has been forwarded to the Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu for information and necessary action.(KINS)
