Srinagar, Feb 02: Cold wave conditions returned to Kashmir as the mercury plunged several degrees below freezing point after a day’s respite provided by a feeble western disturbance on Friday.
The local Meteorological department forecasted possibility of light to moderate snowfall, rains till 4th February in the region, officials said
As per MeT data, Larnoo in south Kashmir’s Anantnag was the coldest at -17.7°C followed by Sonamarg tourist resort in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district registered at -15.1 °C. Ski resort of Gulmarg recorded a minimum temperature of -12°C. Pahalgam -11.9°C.
Qazigund settled at -9.4°C and it was the lowest temperature in the past 16 years, Kokernag recorded a low of -9.4°C. The previous record was of -12.2°C on February 13, 2008. Qazigund had recorded its lowest temperature of -16.7°C on February 3, 1967.
Director MeT, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said it was a cold night with temperatures going several degrees below normal in most of the places. The mercury went 4.4 notches below normal in Gulmarg and 5.8 notches below normal in Pahalgam, he said.
“On Saturday, there is possibility of very light snow at isolated extreme higher reaches. From 3rd-4th February, there is possibility of light to moderate snowfall, rain at many places towards evening till 4th February. There are chances of heavy snowfall over isolated higher reaches,” Dr Mukhtar said.
He said under this spell, the middle and higher reaches of North, N.Western and South Kashmir may receive 8-12 inches of Snow, lower reaches & plains may receive 3-6 inches, while plains of Central Kashmir may receive Rain with 1-2 inches of snow.
Regarding Jammu division, Dr Mukhtar said region may receive light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning with light to moderate snow over higher reaches of Pirpanjal Range and Chenab Valley during the period.
“In view of inclement weather during 3rd evening to 4th evening, Travellers are advised to plan accordingly & follow administration and traffic Police advisory,” he said.
J&K Disaster Management Authority on Friday issued avalanche warning in eight districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
A JKDMA Spokesperson said, “Avalanche with low danger level is likely to occur above 2400 metres over Bandipora, Baramulla, Kupwara and Ganderbal districts in next 24 hours.”
“Avalanche with medium danger level is likely to occur above 3000 metres over Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, and Ramban districts in next 24 hours”, he said.
The spokesman said that people living in these areas are advised to take precautions and avoid venturing in the avalanche prone areas.
Meanwhile the traffic movement on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was partially restored on Friday afternoon after it remained closed for two consecutive days due to inclement weather. All stranded vehicles were being cleared till late Friday evening.
In a post on X, Jammu and Kashmir Traffic police said, “Traffic update at 1500 hrs. Jammu Srinagar NHW partially restored, stranded vehicles are being cleared. Commuters are advised to drive with cautiously, as part of road near Sherbibi is single lane & also slippery at a number of places.”
A traffic police spokesman said Mughal Road and Srinagar-Sonamarg Road are already closed for traffic due to snow accumulation. While the fair weather and good condition, traffic will be allowed from both sides.
