Srinagar, Feb 19: The Meteorological Department on Sunday forecasted two-day widespread snowfall in higher reaches, rain in plains in Kashmir region from Monday onward, and stated that inclement weather will continue till 26th February, officials said.
Director MeT, Sonam Lotus told Rising Kashmir that there is a possibility of widespread light to moderate snowfall in Kashmir and rain in Jammu region from Sunday evening onward till Monday.
“Fresh western disturbances likely to affect J&K and adjoining areas from Sunday late evening. Under the influence of above system there is the possibility of widespread light to moderate snow in plains of Kashmir and rain in Jammu,” he said.
Lotus said there will be light rain in the plains and snow in middle and higher reaches from the 20th late afternoon till the 21st of February. From 22-24th there will be mainly dry weather.
Lotus said they were expecting another wet spell from 25th February, during that time weather will generally be cloudy with light rain, and snowfall isolated to scattered higher reaches of the Kashmir division.
As per the MeT advisory, it may cause snow avalanches in avalanche-prone areas. People are advised not to venture out in Avalanche-prone areas, unless emergency.
Following the cloudy weather, in various parts of Kashmir on Sunday, Kashmir witnessed improvement in night temperatures, Srinagar recorded minus 15.1 degrees Celsius as the maximum temperature and 6.7 °C as the minimum temperature.
Health resort Pahalgam in south Kashmir settled at 11.4 °C degrees and 2.1 °C as minimum temperatures. Ski-resort Gulmarg recorded 2.0 °C as the minimum temperature and 6.5 °C as the maximum temperature.
J&K Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) on Sunday issued a fresh snow avalanche warning in the low and higher reaches of eight districts of J&K.
Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA) on Sunday issued an avalanche warning for four districts of the Kashmir division, advising people against venturing out into the avalanche-prone areas.
A JKDMA Spokesperson said, “Avalanche with low danger level is likely to occur above 2500 meters above sea level over Ganderbal, Bandipore, Baramulla 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.
The traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar highway remained disrupted for 4 hours and 30 minutes due to CN Tunnel being closed by the authorities. There was a slow moment on NH44 due to the breakdown of 8 HMV’s between Nashri and Navtug tunnel.
“On Monday subject to fair weather and road clearance, LMVs Passengers, and Private cars shall be allowed from both sides of the highway,” the spokesman said.
