Srinagar, Jan 28: Higher reaches of Kashmir valley received fresh snowfall, while rains lashed plains on Sunday. The Meteorological Department has forecasted that prevailing weather conditions will continue till 3rd February in the region, officials said.
The officials revealed that fresh snowfall of 2-4 inches was reported in Doodhpathri, 5-7 inches in Gulmarg, 2-3 inches in Sonamarg, 2 inches at Peer Ki Gali along Mughal Road, 2-3 inches in Sadna Top, 2-5 inches in Machil Sector, 2 inches in Lolab. 5 inches at Achoora Gurez, 2-3 inches in Tangmarg. Higher reaches in Bandipora and Kupwara recorded light snowfall till Sunday evening.
Meanwhile, intermittent rains continued in plains throughout the day. Srinagar received 1.4 millimetres of rainfall between 8:30 am to 5:30 pm on Sunday. Qazigund 0.6 mm, Pahalgam 3.3 mm, and Kupwara recorded 4.4 mm of rainfall.
Director MeT Srinagar, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that plains in Kashmir witnessed light to moderate rains while upper reaches received snowfall till Sunday late night.
“On Jan 29, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain and snow at many places of J&K. Heavy snowfall is forecasted over isolated higher reaches of Kashmir Division (Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Shopian, Anantnag and Kulgam districts) till late Monday afternoon,” he said.
Dr. Mukhtar said between January 30-31st, there is possibility of light to moderate rain/snow at many places of J&K with chances of heavy snowfall over few higher reaches in Kashmir region.
“Similarly, between February 1-2nd, weather will remain generally cloudy with light rain and snow was expected at many places towards late afternoon and evening slots. On Feb 3-4, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain and snow at many places of J&K,” he added.
The MeT Director said that in Jammu division, there is possibility of intermittent light rain in plains with light snowfall over higher reaches with moderate snowfall on during 28th night to 31st January.
He said that the weather system may lead to temporary closure of roads of higher reaches and important passes like Sinthan pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna, Razdan pass, Zojila etc. particularly during January 28-31.
“Travellers are advised to Plan accordingly,” he said, adding, “Farmers are advised to withhold irrigation and fertilizer application and drain out excess water from orchards and fields during the period,” Dr Mukhtar said.
He said the night temperature is tipped to see rise, significant drop in day mercury is expected during the period.
Meanwhile, the minimum temperature rose across Kashmir and settled above the freezing point at most places of the valley on Saturday night.
As per MeT data, Srinagar recorded a low of 3.3°C and maximum temperatures 8.9°C. Qazigund recorded a minimum of minus 0.6°C and 9.2°C as maximum temperatures. Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 0.6°C and 8.2°C as maximum temperature.
Kokernag recorded a minimum of minus 0.1°C and 8.8°C as maximum temperatures, Gulmarg, the official said, recorded a low of minus 3.5°C and 0.5 as maximum temperatures.
Jammu, he said, recorded a minimum of 9.1°C and it was below normal by 0.4°C for the winter capital of J&K. Banihal recorded a low of 3.2°C, Batote 6.2°C and Bhaderwah 3.2°C, he said.
As per an advisory issued by the traffic department, following the fresh snowfall along Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri Road and Mughal Road, no traffic will be allowed on these highways on Monday.
“Traffic plying on NH-44 Srinagar-Jammu highway, Mughal road still blocked & Traffic could not be released on SSG road due to slippery conditions,” the spokesman said.
He said there will be two-way traffic on the 270-kilometer Jammu-Srinagar highway on Monday. Subject to fair weather and better road conditions on Monday LMVs (Passenger) shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar NHW viz Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa. TCU Jammu/ Srinagar shall liaise with TCU Ramban before releasing the traffic.
Earlier, authorities had temporarily closed the 84-km-long Bandipora-Gurez road for vehicular movement, citing the need for caution. However,officials granted permission for stranded passenger vehicles to move along the road in a one-way traffic arrangement.
In response to the situation, a chopper service has been initiated to airlift passengers facing emergencies in Gurez Valley.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Shakeel-ur-Rehman, assured the public that a sufficient quantity of essentials has been stocked in Gurez. Additionally, he mentioned that both manpower and machinery were on standby to promptly clear snow from the roads in case of heavy snowfall.
