Srinagar, Mar 15: Following a dip in temperatures, Kashmir’s higher reaches experienced fresh snowfall, while the plains saw light rainfall on Saturday. The local meteorological department has forecasted an improvement in weather conditions starting Sunday forenoon, officials said.
Director of MeT Srinagar, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, informed Rising Kashmir that a fresh Western disturbance brought light snow to parts of south Kashmir and the higher reaches of the north and northeastern areas. He added that on 16th March, there is a possibility of intermittent light rain or snow at a few locations, with weather improving by the afternoon. From 17th to 25th March, generally dry weather is expected, with some cloudiness on the evening of 19th March.
Snowfall in the higher regions has led to cold winds sweeping across the Kashmir valley. Key areas such as Pir Ki Gali, Gulmarg, Doodhpathri, Sonamarg, Keran, Machil, Gurez, Drass, Zojila, Matayan, Gumri, Shaitani Nallah, and Sinton Top recorded fresh snowfall, causing a significant drop in temperatures. While the mercury further dropped in south Kashmir, temperatures in the central and northern parts of the valley rose slightly, with Srinagar recording a low of 5.6°C on Saturday.
During the past 3 days, snow depth recorded on Sadhna Top 3 feet, Razdan top 3 feet ,Z Gali 2 feet, Zojila top 2.5feet , Sinthan top 2.5 feet, Peer ki Gali 2 feet, Sonamarg 2 feet, Gulmarg 1 feet, Doodhpatri 1 feet, Pahalgam 8 inches, DK Marg 6-8 inches, Yousmarg 6-8 inches, Shopian plains 2-4 inches and Kulgam plains 1-2 inches.
Regarding the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway’s traffic movement, SSP Traffic NHW Rohit Baskotra reported that traffic was halted for an hour on Saturday morning due to excessive mud flow on the roads following heavy rainfall. He urged travelers to check road and traffic status on social media before planning their journey and avoid unnecessary travel.
On Sunday, subject to fair weather and better road conditions, LMVs (Passenger/Private Cars) and HMVs will be allowed from both sides on the Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44).
The Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri road has been closed due to snow accumulation. The Mughal Road, Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road, and Bhaderwah-Chamba road have already been closed for vehicular movement due to snow. Additionally, the Karnah-Kupwara road was closed after fresh snowfall at Sadhna Top. The Border Roads Organisation has initiated snow-clearing operations to restore traffic.
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA) issued a medium-danger-level avalanche warning for four districts in the Kashmir division. A JKDMA spokesperson said that an avalanche is likely above 2400 meters over Bandipora, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, and Ganderbal within the next 24 hours. Residents in these areas have been advised to take precautions and avoid venturing into avalanche-prone areas. In case of emergency, they can dial 112.
A JKDMA spokesperson said an avalanche with medium danger level is likely to occur above 2400 meters over Bandipora, Doda, Kistawar, Ramban, Ganderbal 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.
