SRINAGAR: After this season’s first major widespread snowfall last week, Jammu and Kashmir is once again bracing for heavy snowfall as another western disturbance was set to hit the region Monday evening.The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a major advisory, warning that the fresh spell of snowfall could disrupt air traffic and key highways, including the Jammu-Srinagar national highway.In its forecast, the IMD said snowfall was likely to start on the night of Jan 26, preceded by strong winds for a brief period at some places. It said that on Jan 27, moderate to heavy snowfall is expected at most places across Kashmir and the higher reaches of Jammu.The IMD, however, said there is no likelihood of heavy snowfall in the plains of Jammu. On Jan 28, the IMD said, there are chances of light rain at some places and snowfall in the higher reaches of Kashmir.Sonam Lotus, head of the meteorological centre in Leh, said Srinagar is likely to receive moderate to heavy snowfall. Lotus, who earlier headed the meteorological centre in J&K state, is widely known across Kashmir for his weather forecasts. He said that on Tuesday morning, Srinagar will receive snowfall but the accumulation will not be much. He said there is a possibility of three to four inch of snow accumulation. Last week’s snowfall in the Valley didn’t touch Srinagar city, leading to disappointment among residents.After a prolonged dry spell this winter, the Kashmir Valley and Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley regions of Jammu witnessed heavy snowfall and severe winds reaching speeds of up to 155 kmph on Friday, which blocked highways, led to flight cancellations, shut down schools, disrupted power supply and left several homes roofless.Despite the disruption, the snowfall brought cheer among people. Youngsters in the areas, including south Kashmir districts which witnessed heavy snowfall, were seen playing in the snow and celebrating the change in weather. Social media in Kashmir was full with snowfall reels. Heavy snowfall has attracted tourists and social media influencers from within and outside the country to Gulmarg, which has come alive once again, with long queues at the gondola as hundreds of tourists thronged the resort to enjoy skiing and gondola rides.CM Omar Abdullah on Sunday also rushed to Gulmarg, took a snow scooter ride and also enjoyed skiing.
1. Short Description
Jammu and Kashmir braces for another heavy snowfall spell, raising concerns over travel disruptions while boosting tourism in scenic destinations like Gulmarg.
2. Read Time
3 minutes 15 seconds
3. Main Article
Weather-Induced Economic Activity and Disruption
As another western disturbance approaches Jammu and Kashmir, the region stands at a crossroads of significant economic impact. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted moderate to heavy snowfall, explicitly warning of potential disruptions to the vital Jammu-Srinagar national highway and regional air traffic. For global observers and investors in the logistics, insurance, and agricultural commodity sectors, these forecasts are critical. Transport disruptions can create ripple effects, influencing supply chain timelines and local market prices. This pattern of severe weather interrupting key infrastructure offers a case study in how climate volatility directly impacts regional economic stability and operational risk, themes highly relevant to finance professionals analyzing emerging markets.
From Disruption to Opportunity: The Tourism Surge
Conversely, this heavy snowfall is a powerful economic catalyst for Kashmir’s winter tourism economy. Renowned resorts like Gulmarg are experiencing a notable surge in activity, with tourists and social media influencers flocking to the region. This influx drives revenue for hospitality, skiing, and local services, demonstrating how a natural event can swiftly shift economic activity in a region. The presence of figures like former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah partaking in skiing highlights the sector’s importance. For the finance niche, this underscores a classic market dynamic: one industry’s disruption (transport) is another’s boon (tourism), presenting a diversified picture of regional economic health and opportunity.
Balancing Risk with Resilience and Forecasting
The situation underscores the importance of accurate forecasting and infrastructure resilience. Meteorologist Sonam Lotus’s prediction for Srinagar to receive several inches of snow provides valuable lead time for businesses and disaster management. The contrast between last week’s snowfall, which bypassed the city, and the current targeted forecast, illustrates the precision modern weather modeling can achieve—a crucial tool for financial planning and risk assessment. As climate patterns contribute to more frequent western disturbances, understanding their dual nature as both a risk and a revenue driver becomes essential for comprehensive economic analysis and investment strategy in vulnerable yet resource-rich regions.
4. Short Summary
The incoming western disturbance presents a dual economic narrative for Jammu and Kashmir. While threatening key transport links like the Jammu-Srinagar highway with disruption, the heavy snowfall is simultaneously energizing the crucial tourism sector in Gulmarg. This scenario highlights the complex interplay between climate events, regional infrastructure resilience, and shifting economic activity, offering key insights for financial analysis focused on emerging markets and commodity-sensitive regions.
