Srinagar, Dec 25: A dense blanket of fog descended upon various parts of Kashmir, including the summer capital, Srinagar, on Monday morning disrupting the normal life.
The thick fog led to an alarming drop in visibility, prompting authorities to issue advisories and cautionary measures for residents, Srinagar experienced a significant reduction in vehicular traffic, particularly in and around the city,
The dense fog compelled drivers to use fog lights, with cars cautiously navigating through the misty surroundings. The reduced visibility not only hindered the flow of traffic but also posed a considerable challenge to pedestrians and commuters, urging them to exercise extra caution while traversing the fog-laden streets.
Director MeT, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad told Rising Kashmir that there is no significant weather activity till the end of December. Prevailing weather conditions will continue till December 31st in the Himalayan region, he said.
Dr Mukhtar said during the next 48 hours, there will be more decrease in minimum temperatures and foggy weather will continue to engulf the region.
Meanwhile, the prevailing intense cold weather conditions continue unabated with Srinagar recording a low of minus 2.3°C against minus 2.1°C on the previous night.
Qazigund, the gateway of Kashmir, recorded a minimum temperature of minus 2.6°C against minus 2.0°C on the previous night. Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 4.3°C against minus 3.9°C on the previous night and it was 0.7°C above normal for the famous resort in south Kashmir, the official said.
Likewise, Gulmarg, the official said, recorded a low of minus 2.6°C against minus 3.5°C on the previous night and the temperature was 3.2°C above normal for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir.
Jammu recorded a minimum of 7.3°C against 9.6°C on previous night, and it was below normal by 0.9°C for the winter capital of J&K.
Traffic Department Srinagar has advised commuters to carefully strategize their journeys, taking into account the current weather conditions. Emphasizing the significance of visibility, they stress the use of fog lights and strict adherence to traffic guidelines to ensure the safety of all road users.
Director Srinagar International Airport, Javed Anjum told Rising Kashmir that the airport experienced delays in morning flights due to foggy weather conditions. However, after visibility improved after 2 PM, flights operated normally later in the day, he said.
Similarly, Chief Area Manager (CAM) Kashmir, Saqib Yousuf Yatoo (IRTS), said that there were initial delays in the morning attributable to foggy weather. However, he reassured that later in the day, all services between Baramulla and Banihal operated seamlessly without any deviations.
Meanwhile traffic along 270 Kilometres Jammu-Srinagar National remained normal on Monday and vehicles were allowed from both sides to move to respective destinations
A traffic spokesman said subject to fair weather and good road conditions, Security Forces vehicles shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44) viz Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa on Tuesday.
“Both LMVs Passenger/Private Cars/HMVs/Load Carriers shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) viz Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa. Commuters are advised to follow lane discipline, it said.
Similarly vehicular movement shall be allowed on Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri road and vehicular movement on Mughal Road shall be allowed from both sides viz. Poonch towards Shopian and vice versa. These vehicles shall be allowed from Behramgalla (Buffliaz) and Herpora (Shopian) between 1000 hrs to 1500 hrs. after a green signal from road agencies.
