Srinagar, Feb 14: The Meteorological Department (MeT) Wednesday predicted the possibility of rain in plains and snow in middle and higher reaches between 17th and 21st February in Kashmir region.
Director MeT, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad told Rising Kashmir that a couple of moderate to intense Western Disturbances most likely to affect J&K and adjoining areas from 17th February afternoon onwards.
“Under the influence of above weather Systems, an extended wet spell from 17th February (night) onwards till 21st February (Afternoon) most likely over J&K and adjoining areas,” he said.
Dr Mukhtar said the peak activity will be between 19-20th February. There will be possibility of light to moderate snowfall at most places and possibility of heavy snowfall over middle & higher reaches of Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Badgam, Shopian and Kulgam districts till 20th February,” he added.
He said similarly in Jammu Division, there is possibility of light rain and snow at many places from 18th February. Between 19th-20th Feb, there is forecast of intermittent light to moderate rain with thunder, lightning in plains of Jammu and heavy snowfall over isolated higher reaches of Ramban, Poonch, Doda and Kishtwar, Dr Mukhtar said.
He said this system may Lead to temporary closure of roads of higher reaches and important passes like Sinthan pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna & Razdan pass, Zojila etc.
So far Kashmir has only witnessed a major spell of snowfall and widespread rains in the first week of February. Till January end Valley witnessed an unusually prolonged dry spell during Chillai Kalan.
Throughout this extended period, the region witnessed a substantial rainfall deficit of 79%, recording only 12.6 mm of rainfall in December 2023, significantly below the average of 59.6 mm.
As per MeT records, 2024 January was one of the driest and warmest January in the last 43 years for most of the stations of J&K except the stations of plains of Jammu (Jammu, Samba and Kathua).
Srinagar recorded total precipitation so far in 2024 (3.0 mm), Similarly, Jammu recorded total precipitation so far in 2024 (5.7 mm), ski resort Gulmarg recorded total precipitation so far in 2024 (42.3 mm).
On January 13, Srinagar experienced a maximum temperature of 15°C, marking the highest January temperature recorded in the past two decades, surpassing even the temperature in Delhi.
As per the traffic police department spokesman, there was slow movement observed on Srinagar-Jammu highway due to single lane traffic at Dalwas and poor surface condition of road at several places between Nashri and NAVYUG Tunnel.
On Thursday, subject to fair weather and good road condition, LMVs Passenger/Private Cars/HMVs/Load Carriers shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) viz Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa. Commuters are advised to follow lane discipline, it said.
The spokesman said on Srinagar-Leh highway, only one way traffic for LMVs from Kargil towards Sonamarg shall be allowed on the road. These vehicles shall be allowed from Minimarg at 1000 hrs upto 1300 hrs. Motorists are advised to carry anti-skid chains to gain more grip on the slippery road. No vehicle shall be allowed without an anti-skid chain, he said.
While Kishtwar- Sinthan- Anantnag NH-244, only one way traffic for LMVs from Kishtwar towards Anantnag on Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road. These vehicles shall be allowed at 1130 hrs upto 1430 hrs. Motorists are advised to carry anti-skid chain to gain more grip on the slippery road, the spokesman said.
Similarly Mughal Road, Bhaderwah-Chamba are still blocked due to snow accumulation
