Srinagar, Feb 26: Higher reaches of Kashmir valley received light snowfall for 2nd straight day on Wednesday while moderate rainfall was reported in plain areas. The meteorological department has forecasted improvement in prevailing weather conditions from Saturday onward.
Director MeT Srinagar, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad told Rising Kashmir that as forecasted rains lash plains and moderate snowfall was recorded in higher reaches on Saturday evening.
“The ongoing wet spell will continue and thereafter we are expecting improvement in prevailing weather conditions from Friday afternoon onward,” he said.
The higher reaches including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Bandipora, Kupwara, Budgam and Shopian, experienced fresh spell of snowfall, while rains lashed plains, he said.
Dr. Mukhtar said that from 1-2nd March, weather will generally be cloudy with light rain, snow at isolated to scattered places.
“ On 3rd March, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain, snow at many places,” he said.
In an advisory, the MeT spokesman said there can be temporary disruption of surface transportation mainly over Sadhna pass, Razdhan Pass, Sonamarg-Zojila-Gumri axis, Mughal Road, Sinthan pass & other major roads of hilly districts.
“Tourists, travellers and transporters are advised to plan accordingly & follow Admin, traffic advisory,” it reads.
It further reads that farmers are advised to suspend irrigation & other farm operations. There will be significant fall in day temperature during the above period.
Due to incessant rainfall, many parts of Srinagar city witnessed water logging. A massive dip was witnessed in day and night temperatures in the valley. There was an increase in water level in rivers including Jhelum and other water bodies in the region.
Kashmir Valley witnessed significant rainfall and snowfall, with Gulmarg receiving 33.0 mm rain, translating to 33.0 cm snow. Sopore (32.0 mm), Bandipora (26.5 mm), and Wular (27.0 mm) also saw heavy rainfall.
Kupwara recorded 20.3 mm, including 1.5 cm snow, while Nowgam Handwara received the highest rainfall at 36.4 mm. Other notable figures include Pahalgam (20.8 mm), Tangmarg (22.2 mm), and Asham (21.0 mm).
Moderate rainfall was recorded in Ganderbal (13.5 mm), Qazigund (12.2 mm), and Shopian (12.0 mm). Srinagar saw 7.8 mm, with its airport at 4.8 mm. Kulgam (9.5 mm), Budgam (9.0 mm), and Verinag (8.2 mm) also received rainfall. Pulwama, Tral, and Sangam recorded the lowest at 1.0 mm each.
In Jammu, Banihal received the highest rainfall at 38.8 mm, followed by Batote (30.1 mm) and Poonch (30.0 mm). Kishtwar (19.0 mm), Bhaderwah (16.0 mm), and Ramban (14.5 mm) saw moderate rainfall.
Jammu city and surrounding areas received minimal rain, with Burmal remaining dry.
Meanwhile, the traffic along 270 kilometres Srinagar-Jammu highway remained normal during the past 24 hours and no disruptions were reported along the vital road.
On Thursday, subject to fair weather and better road conditions LMVs Passenger/Private Cars/HMVs shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44) viz from Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa.
Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari road has been closed due to snow accumulation. Mughal Road and Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road and Bhaderwah-Chamba have already been closed for vehicular movement in view of snow accumulation along the roads.
Meanwhile Karnah-Kupwara road has been closed for traffic movement after fresh snowfall at Sadhna Top. Border Roads Organisation has initiated snow-clearing operations to restore vehicular movement.
Meanwhile Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority issued a medium-danger level avalanche warning for four districts of Kashmir division.
A JKDMA Spokesperson said an avalanche with medium danger level is likely to occur above 2800 meters over Baramulla, Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri, Ramban in next 24 hours.In case of emergency dial 112.
“People living in these (specified) areas are advised to take precautions and avoid venturing in the avalanche prone areas till further orders,” he said.
