Srinagar, Mar 26: Many areas in higher reaches of Kashmir on Wednesday received fresh snowfall, while plains were lashed by light rains. The weathermen have predicted that cloudy weather conditions would continue till Thursday evening.
Director Meteorological Department Kashmir, Mukhtar Ahmad told Rising Kashmir that light snowfall occurred in many areas in higher reaches, including at the famous ski-resort of Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Amarnath Cave, Doodhpatri. More light snowfall expected during next 24hrs.Shopian and other hilly areas of the region.
In light of the forecast, the MeT office has issued an advisory for travelers, tourists, and transporters to adhere to the local administration’s traffic advisory before planning their trips during this period.
It said farmers have been advised to suspend farm operations from March 26 to March 27, and people residing in higher reaches have been urged to avoid areas prone to avalanches and landslides during this period.
The MeT data suggests maximum day temperature has remained (1-50c) above normal in many parts of Jammu and Kashmir divisions with highest maximum temperature at kathua (31.2°c) in Kammu
division. The minimum night temperature has remained (2-7°c) above normal in many parts of Jammu and Kashmir with lowest minimum temperature at Gulmarg (0.8°c) in Kashmir division & Bhaderwah (9.3°c) in Jammu division.
While rains began in parts of the Valley on Wednesday afternoon, however, its intensity was very low. Following the inclement weather, a massive dip was witnessed in day and night temperatures in the valley.
As per the traffic department advisory, following the fresh snowfall along Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri Road and Mughal Road, no traffic will be allowed on these highways on Thursday.
“Traffic is normally plying on NH-44 Srinagar-Jammu highway, Mughal road still blocked & Traffic could not be released on SSG road due to slippery conditions,” the spokesman said.
He said subject to fair weather and better road conditions on Thursday LMVs (Passenger) shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar NHW viz Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa. TCU Jammu/ Srinagar shall liaise with TCU Ramban before releasing the traffic.