Srinagar, Apr 16: Light to moderate rain lashed maximum parts of Kashmir while higher reaches experienced light snowfall on Sunday. The Meteorological Department has forecasted prevailing weather conditions to continue in the region till the next 3-4 days .
Srinagar along with other parts of Kashmir experienced heavy rainfall on Saturday afternoon onward and low-lying areas remained waterlogged in many parts of the city. Due to rain, there was a massive drop in maximum temperatures in the region.
Director Meteorological Department Kashmir, Sonam Lotus told Rising Kashmir that due to Western Disturbances, rain lashed plains in Kashmir and snowfall occurred at higher reaches of Karnah, Sinthan Top and other places respectively.
He said, “Presently it is raining at most places and very light snowfall over higher reaches. On Monday, we are expecting light to moderate rain and snowfall over higher reaches.”
Lotus said the main activity of the spell will be during 17-18th April. During this wet spell, thunderstorms with strong gusty wind reaching (20-30KMPH) and hailstorm are also possible at some places of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
He said there is possibility of temporary disruption of surface transportation especially over hilly and snowbound areas during 17-18th.
“Waterlogging in low lying areas and abrupt fall in day temperature by 7-8°C was witnessed,” he said.
About sudden weather changes in the region, Lotus said, every year, we are witnessing such weather in Kashmir and it is the usual process. There is no need to panic about the weather situation,” he said.
Following the cloudy weather, various parts of Kashmir on Saturday witnessed a significant drop in night temperatures. Srinagar recorded 19.4 degrees Celsius as the maximum temperature and 10.9 °C as the minimum temperature.
Health resort Pahalgam in south Kashmir settled at 15.8 °C degrees and 5.2 °C as minimum temperatures. Ski-resort Gulmarg recorded 8.5 °C as the maximum temperature and 3.8°C as minimum temperature.
Qazigund recorded a low of 20.0 °C, Kokernag at 19.0 °C, Kupwara recorded 14.7 °C and Banihlal witnessed maximum temperatures at 24.4°C respectively.
Winter Capital Jammu recorded 36.5 degrees Celsius as the maximum temperature and 26.0 °C as the minimum temperature. Katra recorded 33.7 °C as maximum temperature and 19.0 as minimum temperature.
A traffic police department spokesman said that from the past 24 hours, Jammu Srinagar NHW remained blocked for more than 3 hours due to closure of the tunnel and breakdown of 4 HMV’s along the highway.
On Monday, subject to fair weather and road clearance, LMVs Passenger/Private Cars 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, it said.
Similarly, on the Srinagar-Leh highway, only one way traffic from Kargil towards Srinagar shall be allowed on the road. These vehicles shall be allowed from Minimarg at 0630 hrs. up to 0830 hrs. It will be followed by HMV’s.
“ No vehicle shall be allowed after cut-off timing. Motorists are advised to carry an anti-skid chain to gain more grip on the slippery road. No vehicle shall be allowed without an anti-skid chain,” the spokesman said.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA) on Sunday issued an avalanche warning for four districts in the Union Territory, advising people against venturing out into the avalanche-prone areas.
A JKDMA spokesperson said that an avalanche with low danger level is likely to occur above 3200 metres above sea level over Doda, Kishtwar, Bandipora and Kupwara districts 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.
