MeT predicts snowfall in higher reaches, rain in plains today

Srinagar, Jan 29: The weathermen on Monday forecasted the possibility of heavy snowfall in higher reaches and rain in plains during the next 24 hours in the region.
Ski resort, Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded 11 inches of fresh snowfall on Monday, 3-4 inches in Gurez, 8 inches in Machil Sector, 10 inches Zojila-Drass highway and 7-8 inches of snow was accumulated at Peer Ki Gali, 1 feet in Sonamarg, and 1 feet at Sadhna Top.
Director Meteorological Department Kashmir, Mukhtar Ahmad told Rising Kashmir that higher reaches of north Kashmir received fresh snowfall on Monday, while light rain lashed plains in Valley.
“We are expecting the possibility of light to moderate rain and snow at many places in J & K on Tuesday. There are chances of heavy snowfall over a few higher reaches (Kupwara, Bandipora, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag district,” he said.
Dr. Mukhtar said from 1st-2nd Feb: Generally cloudy with light spell of rain and snow at few places towards late afternoon evening. Similarly, between 3rd-4th February, there is a possibility of light to moderate Rain/Snow at many places in the region, he added.
The MeT Director said there is a possibility of intermittent light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning in plains of Jammu division with light snowfall over higher reaches with moderate snowfall over isolated higher reaches (Banihal, Ponch, Doda & Kishtwar) during 30-31st Jan & 3-4th February.
He said that the weather may lead to temporary closure of roads of higher reaches and important passes like Sinthan pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna, Razdan pass, Zojila etc. particularly during January 28-31.
“Travellers are advised to plan accordingly,” he said, adding, “Farmers are advised to withhold irrigation and fertilizer application and drain out excess water from orchards and fields during the period,” Dr Mukhtar said.
He said the night temperature is tipped to see rise, significant drop in day mercury is expected during the period.
Meanwhile, the minimum temperature rose across Kashmir and settled above the freezing point at most places of the valley on Sunday night.
As per MeT data, Srinagar recorded a low of 3.6°C and maximum temperatures 10.1°C. Ski resort Gulmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla recorded a minimum of minus 3.2°C and 1.1°C as maximum temperatures.
Qazigund recorded a minimum of 2.0°C and 11.2°C as maximum temperatures. Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 0.7°C and 7.2°C as maximum temperature.
Kokernag recorded a minimum of minus 0.5°C and 10.1°C as maximum temperatures. Jammu recorded a minimum of 9.3°C and 20.6 °C as maximum temperature.
Following the fresh snowfall along the Bandipora-Gurez highway, Kupwara to Keran road, Karnah, Machil, Jumagund, Budnambal and Kumkadi have been closed till further orders.
In view of snowfall at Peer Ki Gali, the historic Mughal Road, Kishtwar-Sinthan road, no traffic movement shall be allowed on these roads in view of snow accumulation.
An official from the traffic department said in view of the prevailing weather conditions, traffic has been suspended on Mughal Road. Men and machinery are on work to restore the highway, he said.
On Monday, traffic was suspended for several hours along Jammu-Srinagar highway after a road was damaged at Hingani, Ramsoo while restoration work was going on. The department urged drivers to follow lane discipline and start their journey after confirmation from TCU.
A Jammu and Kashmir traffic department spokesman said traffic has been restored on the highway on late Monday evening.
“Traffic has been restored on Jammu-Srinagar NHW. Presently there is slow movement at Hingni, Ramsoo. People are requested to follow lane discipline,” he said.
The department further said that subject to fair weather and better road conditions, LMVs(Passenger) shall be allowed from both sides on the Jammu-Srinagar highway on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, The Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA) on Monday issued an avalanche warning for two districts of UT, advising people against venturing out into the avalanche-prone areas.
A JKDMA spokesman said an avalanche with Low Danger Level is likely to occur above 2600 & 2800 metres above sea level over Kupwara and Ganderbal districts respectively in next 24 hours.
“People living in these areas are advised to take precautions and avoid venturing in the avalanche prone areas till further orders,” he said.