Srinagar, Oct 10: Higher reaches of Kashmir experienced fresh snowfall, plains received light rainfall while the met department has predicted a significant improvement in prevailing weather conditions from Wednesday.
The ski resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir reported fresh snowfall of 1-2 inches, while the Machil Sector recorded 2 inches of snow. The Zojila-Drass highway and areas including Peer Ki Gali, Z-Gali, Razdan, and Sadhna Top received 1-2 inches and 3 inches of snowfall, respectively.
Director MeT, Sonam Lotus said that higher reaches of Kashmir witnessed snowfall and rains lashed plains till Tuesday morning.
“We are expecting a brief spell of Rain and snowfall over higher reaches in the Valley,” he said, adding that weather will remain dry and clear till October 14.
Lotus said they are expecting another spell of snowfall and intermittent rain between October 14-17 covering approximately 60-70% of the region’s expanse over the coming days.
He said the forecast indicates that this climatic phenomenon will prevail in plains and higher peaks of Jammu and Kashmir.
Lotus said in the coming days, a slight decrease in daytime temperatures in the valley is anticipated, with colder evenings.
On Tuesday, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 20.8 degrees Celsius, with a minimum temperature of 9.5 degrees Celsius.
Gulmarg, the popular ski resort in Baramulla district, reported a maximum temperature of 8.8 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature dipped to 1.0 degrees Celsius.
The health resort of Pahalgam recorded a maximum temperature of 17.0°C, while Qazigund reported 15°C, respectively.
Kupwara in north Kashmir registered the highest temperature in the region at 21.3 C, with minimum temperatures settling at 8.7°C.
On Tuesday, Srinagar-Jammu highway witnessed regular traffic movement, with vehicles being permitted to travel from both directions to their respective destinations, ensuring a seamless journey for commuters.
J&K Traffic Cops were seen helping in unloading apple boxes from accidental truck near T1 Tunnel on NH-44
A spokesperson from the traffic police department stated that, contingent on favorable weather conditions and improved road quality, Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs), Passenger/Private Cars, Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs), and Load Carriers from both directions on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), enabling smooth travel between Jammu and Srinagar.
Meanwhile, on the Sonamarg-Leh road, vehicular movement will be unrestricted from both sides, permitting travel from Srinagar towards Kargil and vice versa. LMVs will be granted access from Minamarg to Srinagar between 0730 hrs and 1100 hrs, and LMVs followed by HMVs will be allowed from Sonamarg to Kargil between 1300 hrs and 1700 hrs.
“It’s important to note that no vehicles will be permitted beyond the specified timings,” he said.
Regarding security forces (SFs) convoys, those traveling from Srinagar to Kargil are scheduled to depart from Srinagar at 0800 hrs, while SFs convoys traveling from Drass to Srinagar are advised to plan their movements in a way that minimizes disruption to civilian traffic, as emphasized by the spokesperson.
On the Mughal Road, vehicular traffic will be allowed from both directions, enabling travel between Poonch and Shopian and vice versa. Vehicles can embark on their journeys from Behramgalla (Buffliaz) and Herpora (Shopian) starting at 0600 hrs until 1800 hrs.
After the designated cut-off times, no vehicles will be permitted to use the route, the spokesperson added.
