Srinagar, Dec 22: A fresh western disturbance is expected to impact Jammu and Kashmir, potentially bringing rain or snow over the higher reaches of Kashmir within the next 24 hours, Met officials said.
Director Meteorological Centre, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad told Rising Kashmir that there is a possibility of light rain or snow at isolated higher reaches from Friday late evening and till Saturday morning, with improvement expected thereafter.
He said on 23rd December, there is forecast of generally cloudy weather with possibility of light Rain/snow over isolated higher reaches during tonight/tomorrow early morning and improvement thereafter.
“From 24-26th Dec, there will be generally dry weather, on 27th, there will be generally cloudy with possibility of light snow over isolated higher reaches,” Mukhtar said.
He said between 28th-31st Dec, there will be generally dry weather. Overall no significant weather activity till ending December, Director MeT said.
There are chances of snowfall in areas including Shopian, Kulgam, Anantnag, Pulwama, Srinagar, Ganderbal, Budgam, Baramulla, Bandipora, Kupwara, and the possibility of snowfall at Gulmarg and Sonmarg cannot be ruled out.
Srinagar, recorded a temperature slightly above normal at 1.3°C compared to the -3.3°C on Thursday. Freezing temperatures persist in the Kashmir valley, resulting in water taps and water bodies in parts of Dal Lake and other areas freezing due to falling temperatures.
Qazigund settled at -3.0°C, while Kokernag recorded a low of 2.4°C. Pahalgam recorded a temperature of -4.8°C, and Gulmarg recorded a low of -1.4°C. Kupwara had a minimum temperature of -3.4°C.
Meanwhile a traffic police spokesman said that traffic will remain suspended between Nashri and NAVYUG Tunnel on Jammu-Srinagar NHW on 23-12-2023 from 0000 hrs. to 0600 hrs
“The six-hour halts are necessary for essential maintenance within Tunnel-5, a crucial passage connecting Jammu and Srinagar. Commuters are advised to plan for possible delays during these hours. The maintenance work is vital for the long-term functionality and safety of the tunnel,” the spokesman said.
On the Sonamarg-Leh road, vehicular movement shall be allowed from both sides, and special arrangements are in place for SFs Convoy to ensure minimal disturbance to civilian traffic.
On the Mughal Road, vehicular movement is allowed from both sides, with specified timings in place to regulate traffic.