The latest forecast issued by the Meteorological Centre Srinagar indicates a mix of dry weather and intermittent rainfall across Jammu & Kashmir over the coming days. While the region will largely remain dry initially, weather conditions are expected to change from April 17 onward.

📅 Detailed Weather Forecast

🌤️ April 14–15

Weather across most parts of J&K will remain generally dry, with clear to partly cloudy skies. These days are expected to be stable and suitable for outdoor and agricultural activities.

🌥️ April 16

The day will begin on a dry note, but brief spells of light rain or thundershowers may occur at a few places, especially during the evening or night hours.

⛈️ April 17–18

Weather activity is expected to intensify with generally cloudy conditions and light to moderate rain/thundershowers at many places.

⚠️ There is also a possibility of gusty winds (40–50 km/h) and hailstorms at isolated locations, which could impact crops, travel, and outdoor plans.

☀️ April 19–24

The region is likely to return to generally dry weather, bringing relief after the brief wet spell.

⚠️ Advisory for Residents & Farmers

• 🌾 Farmers are advised to complete key agricultural activities before April 16, as weather may turn unstable afterward.
• 🌡️ Day temperatures are expected to rise by 2–4°C across many areas till April 16.
• 🌬️ Stay cautious of strong winds and possible hailstorms on April 17–18.
• 🚗 Travelers should plan journeys carefully during the wet spell to avoid disruptions.

📝 Summary

Jammu & Kashmir will experience mainly dry and warm conditions till April 16, followed by a short period of rain, gusty winds, and possible hailstorms on April 17–18. Weather will stabilize again from April 19 onward.

Residents, especially farmers, should make the most of the current dry window and stay alert during the mid-week weather disturbance.

Sopore Student Protest: 8 Arrested, 25 Identified in Vandalism Case

Sopore, Apr 14: Police have arrested eight persons for their alleged involvement in vandalism during a student protest in Sopore, while 25 others have been identified in connection with the incident, officials said on Tuesday.

An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that the arrests were made following incidents of damage to public and private property during protests that erupted after allegations surfaced against a lecturer in the town.

He said those arrested were involved in ransacking property and damaging vehicles during the protest.

“Eight miscreants have been arrested so far, while 25 others have been identified. Strict action will be taken against all those involved in disturbing public order,” the official said.

He added that efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining accused. Police have also urged people to maintain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands—(KNO)

Tulip Garden in Srinagar to be shut for public on April 16

Srinagar: The Department of Floriculture, Gardens & Parks, Kashmir Monday announced that the Tulip Garden in Srinagar will be closed for the general public from April 16.

According to a notice, a copy of which lies with news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the decision has been taken on the recommendation of the Tulip Committee.

It was opened for the public on March 16 this year with lakhs visiting the garden over the past one month—(KNO)

Unemployment, academic pressure, financial instability driving stress surge in Kashmir: Experts

‘Seeking help not sign of weakness but step toward recovery

Srinagar: Stress, once considered a temporary emotional response, is increasingly emerging as a silent public health concern in Kashmir, with doctors warning that a growing number of people, especially youth, are grappling with its long-term consequences.

Medical experts say that stress, triggered by social, economic, and psychological pressures, is no longer limited to specific groups but is affecting people across all age brackets.

“Stress is essentially the body’s natural response to pressure or perceived threats, but when it becomes chronic, it can severely impact both mental and physical health,” Dr Murtaza Khan, a physician, told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

He explained that while short-term stress can sometimes enhance performance, prolonged exposure leads to serious complications. “We are witnessing a surge in patients complaining of headaches, hypertension, sleep disturbances, and fatigue, all of which are directly or indirectly linked to unmanaged stress,” he added.

Doctors attribute the rise in stress levels to a combination of factors, including unemployment, academic pressure, financial instability, and social challenges.

Dr Javid Ahmad Reshie, speaking to KNO, said that modern lifestyle patterns and excessive screen time are also contributing significantly.

“People today are constantly exposed to information overload, social comparison, and uncertainty about the future. These factors collectively create a state of persistent anxiety,” he said. “In Kashmir, additional socio-political stressors further aggravate the situation.”

Health experts warn that if left unaddressed, stress can evolve into severe health conditions.

“Chronic stress weakens the immune system and increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression,” Dr Reshie said. “We are also seeing behavioural changes like irritability, social withdrawal, and substance misuse.”

Doctors said that stress not only affects individuals but also disrupts family life, work productivity, and overall societal well-being.

Experts said that while stress cannot be completely eliminated, it can be effectively managed through simple lifestyle changes.

“Regular physical activity, balanced diet, and adequate sleep are the first steps toward stress management,” Dr Khan said. “Practices like meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness can significantly reduce stress levels.”

Dr Reshie stressed the importance of social support and open communication. “People should not hesitate to talk about their problems. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a step toward recovery,” he said.

Doctors have called for greater awareness around mental health, urging institutions and communities to promote stress management programs.

“There is still stigma associated with mental health issues. Early intervention and counselling can prevent stress from turning into serious disorders,” Dr Reshie added—(KNO)

Weather to remain dry till April 15: MeT

Srinagar: Weather across Jammu and Kashmir will remain generally dry from April 13 to 15, with no significant activity expected across most places, Metrological Department said on Monday.

A MeT official while talking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “On April 16, the weather will remain generally dry, with a brief spell of light rain or thundershowers likely at a few places towards evening or night. From April 17 to 18, generally cloudy conditions will prevail, with light rain or thundershowers expected at many places. Gusty winds with speeds of 40–50 kmph and hailstorm activity are also likely at a few locations during this period.”

He said, “From April 19 to 23, the weather will turn generally dry again across the Union Territory.”

Meanwhile, temperatures are expected to rise by 2–4 degrees Celsius at many places till April 16. Farmers are advised to continue all agricultural operations till April 16 in view of the dry conditions—(KNO)

Classwork suspended in 3 Sopore institutions till April 18

Sopore: Authorities on Monday ordered suspension of classwork in the educational institutions in Sopore following protests over allegations of harrasment of a girl student by a senior lecturer.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Sopore, S A Raina, per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that academic activities at Government Higher Secondary School, Boys Higher Secondary School and Government Degree College Sopore will remain suspended from April 15 to April 18.

The decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order in the area following protests over harrasment allegations—(KNO)