Srinagar, Nov 27: Over the past two weeks, Kashmir has been experiencing cold weather, with several parts of the valley recording sub-zero temperatures for the third consecutive day on Wednesday. The Meteorological Department (MeT) has forecasted dry weather conditions until November 29.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the MeT Department, informed Rising Kashmir that the region may experience generally cloudy weather with light rain and snow in isolated middle and higher reaches from November 30 to December 3. However, no major snowfall is expected during this period. He also mentioned that dense fog and cold day conditions would persist over the plains of Kashmir and Jammu until Sunday.
There has been a significant precipitation deficit in Jammu and Kashmir over the past two months, with many plains and lower mountainous regions yet to experience substantial rainfall or snowfall. The valley has seen foggy mornings, sunny afternoons, and colder nights, with sub-zero temperatures continuing for the third day.
On Wednesday night, Srinagar recorded a low of -0.6°C, following the season’s coldest night of -1.2°C on November 22. According to MeT data, the lowest November temperature in the past decade was -7.7°C, recorded on November 25, 2018. This was followed by -6.6°C in November 2010 and -6.5°C on November 21, 2016, and November 30, 2019—making them the third and fourth coldest nights of the decade.
Meanwhile, Jammu, the winter capital of J&K, recorded a minimum temperature of 10.1°C, with Banihal at 9.1°C, Batote at 5.6°C, and Bhaderwah at 1.6°C.
On the road front, slow movement was observed on the Srinagar-Jammu highway due to the breakdown of two heavy motor vehicles (HMVs). Single-lane traffic was reported at Dalwas, Mehad, and between Marog and Kishtwar Pather. Subject to fair weather and improved road conditions, Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) and Passenger/Private Cars/HMVs will be allowed to move in both directions on the Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44).
For Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag NH-244, vehicular movement of LMVs is allowed from both sides, with vehicles allowed between 0900 hrs and 1500 hrs. No vehicles will be permitted after the cut-off time.
On the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari road (SSG Road), traffic will be regulated, with LMVs followed by HMVs allowed from Minamarg towards Srinagar from 0730 hrs to 1130 hrs, and from Sonamarg towards Kargil from 1330 hrs to 1800 hrs. No vehicles will be allowed after the cut-off timings. Motorists are advised to carry anti-skid chains for better grip on slippery roads.
On the Mughal Road, subject to favourable weather and road conditions, LMVs followed by HMVs (up to 10 tyres) will be allowed from both sides, from Poonch towards Shopian and vice versa, between 0700 hrs and 1700 hrs, with no vehicles permitted after the cut-off time.
Box:
Temperatures in other parts:
Qazigund: -2.4°C
Pahalgam: -4.4°C
Kokernag: -0.4°C
Kupwara: -1.9°C
Gulmarg: -2.6°C
