Srinagar, Mar 02: The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has forecast isolat-ed to widespread light to moderate rain and snow across Jammu and Kashmir over the next 48 hours. Officials have advised residents and travellers to remain vigilant.
The MeT office predicts generally cloudy conditions with the possibility of light rain and snow in isolated areas on Sunday.
However, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad told Rising Kashmir that there is a possi-bility of light to moderate rain/snow at most places, while a few higher reaches of North and Central Kashmir may receive moderate to heavy snowfall on March 3.”
“A dry spell is expected from March 4 to March 9, followed by another round of rain and snow from March 10 to 12,” he said.
The MeT office has issued an advisory urging tourists, travelers, and transporters to adhere to administrative and traffic advisories during this period. Farmers are advised to suspend irrigation and other farm operations until March 4.
The forecast also includes the possibility of landslides, rockfalls, and shooting stones in vulnerable areas. Residents are advised to avoid steep slopes and avalanche-prone regions, and to follow DGRE’s avalanche warnings.
In the past 24 hours, day temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir have risen by 5 to 8°C. Srinagar recorded a normal day temperature of 12.0°C on Saturday, while Kukernag saw a high of 10.2°C.
Minimum temperatures also saw an uptick of 0 to 3°C. Srinagar recorded a low of 2.3°C, slightly below average. Gulmarg experienced a low of -7.5°C, significantly below normal, while Pahalgam recorded -4.7°C and Kupwara -1.2°C, both below average.
In the Jammu division, day temperatures reached 23.4°C in Jammu, 24.0°C in Kathua, and 20.9°C in Katra. However, minimum tempera-tures across the Jammu division were 1 to 2°C below normal.
Meanwhile passenger vehicles were plying from both sides smoothly on Jammu Srinagar highway on Sunday. However, HMVs plying from Jammu towards Srinagar.
The traffic spokesman said that commuters are advised to follow lane discipline, overtaking will cause congestion. Passengers are advised to undertake journey on Jammu-Srinagar NHW during day time and avoid unnecessary haltage between Ramban and Banihal as there is apprehen-sion of landslide/shooting stones.
“Moreover, SSG road/Bhaderwah-Chamba Road/Mughal road/ Sin-than road are still closed,” he said.
Gulmarg experienced light to moderate avalanches over the past 24 hours, triggered by recent snowfall. While these avalanches occurred, officials have confirmed that no damage or casualties were reported.
“Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and advise residents and tourists to exercise caution, particularly in higher-altitude areas, as the risk of further avalanches remains present due to the ongoing winter conditions,” officials said.
A JKDMA spokesperson said that an avalanche with medium danger level is likely to be above 2500 meters over Baramulla during the next 24 hours. Avalanche danger is likely to continue for a few days.
He said that people living in these areas are advised to take precautions and avoid venturing in the avalanche prone areas.
