Cold weather grips Kashmir, Shopian shivers at minus 3.3°C

Srinagar, Nov 26: As Kashmir is reeling under the continuous grip of cold weather conditions for the past several days, Shopian in south Kashmir recorded minus 3.3°C, which is the coldest night so far of the season, officials said.
Director Meteorological Department Srinagar Centre, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad told Rising Kashmir that Shopian recorded its lowest minimum temperature of the season at minus 3.3°C. Several regions across the Union Territory experienced temperatures hovering around zero degrees Celsius, he said.
Dr Mukhtar said that from November 26 to 29, the region is expected to experience generally dry weather. From Nov 30, conditions will turn cloudy, with chances of light rain or light snow over higher reaches at isolated locations by the evening.
“Between December 1 and 2, the weather is predicted to be generally cloudy, accompanied by light rain or light snow in higher reaches, occurring at scattered to fairly widespread locations,” Dr Mukhtar said.
He further said that tourists, trekkers, travellers, and transporters are advised to adhere to administrative and traffic advisories.
As per MeT data, Shopian as the coldest spot in the Kashmir Valley, recording a minimum of -3.3°C. It was followed by Pahalgam, a popular tourist resort, at -2.7°C, and both Gulmarg and Sonamarg at -2.4°C. Srinagar recorded low of 0.7°C.
In South Kashmir, Anantnag and Pulwama both recorded a minimum of -2.0°C, while Kulgam registered zero degrees Celsius. In North Kashmir, Kupwara recorded -0.8°C, Bandipora -1.3°C, and Baramulla saw a low of 0.3°C. Central Kashmir saw Ganderbal at -0.3°C and Budgam at -1.2°C.
In the Jammu division, Kathua recorded the highest minimum temperature at 12.6°C. Jammu city saw 10.6°C, while Banihal, Batote, and Katra reported minimums of 5.4°C, 4.5°C, and 10.2°C, respectively. Udhampur recorded 5.2°C, and Rajouri and Poonch had minimums of 3.9°C and 10.6°C, respectively. Bhaderwah reported the lowest temperature in the division at 2.2°C.
Meanwhile during the past 24 hours, there was slow movement observed on Srinagar-Jammu highway due to breakdown of 02 HMVs, single lane traffic at Dalwas, Mehad and between Marog & Kishtwari Pather.
He said subject to fair weather and better road conditions LMVs Passenger/Private Cars/HMVs shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44) viz from Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa.
On Kishtwar- Sinthan- Anantnag NH-244, Vehicular movement (only LMVs) on Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road shall be allowed from both sides viz from Anantnag towards Kishtwar and vice versa.
“These vehicles shall be allowed from Daksum and Chingam (Chatroo) between 0900 hrs to 1500 hrs. No vehicle shall be allowed after cut off timing,” the spokesman said.
On SSG Road, traffic movement shall be allowed in regulated manner on Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari road. LMVs followed by HMVs shall be allowed from Minamarg towards Srinagar at 0730 hrs. to 1130 hrs.
“Similarly, LMVs followed by HMVs shall be allowed from Sonamarg towards Kargil at 1330 hrs to 1800 hrs. No vehicle shall be allowed after cut off timing. Motorists are advised to carry anti-skid chains to gain more grip on the slippery road.”
On Mughal road, subject to fair weather and good road condition, vehicular movement (LMVs followed by HMVs upto 10 tyre) on Mughal road shall be allowed from both sides viz. from Poonch towards Shopian and vice versa.
“These vehicles shall be allowed from Behramgalla (Buffliaz) and Herpora (Shopian) at 0700 hrs. upto 1700 hrs. No vehicle shall be allowed after the cut of timing,” it added.