Srinagar, March 11: Higher reaches of Kashmir received fresh snowfall, while light rains lashed plains on Monday. The Meteorological Department has forecasted prevailing weather conditions to continue till 14th March in the region.
Fresh snowfall of 2 inches was reported 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 Monday evening.
Meanwhile, light rains continued in plains from Monday evening. Srinagar received 0.2 millimetres of rainfall between 8:30 am to 5:30 pm on Monday. Qazigund 1.2 mm, Pahalgam 3.3 mm, and Kupwara recorded 2.4 mm of rainfall.
Director MeT Srinagar, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that as forecasted plains in Kashmir witnessed light to moderate rains while upper reaches received snowfall till Monday late night.
“On Tuesday, there will be partly to generally cloudy weather throughout the day. Similarly on Wednesday there is a possibility of light to moderate Rain/Snow at many places with thunder and lightning accompanied by gusty winds,” he said.
Director said that 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.
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 Monday night.
As per MeT data, Srinagar recorded a low of 6.3°C and maximum temperatures 17.2°C. Qazigund recorded a minimum of 4.4°C and 16.4°C as maximum temperatures. Pahalgam recorded a low of 1.3°C and 12.3°C as maximum temperature.
Kokernag recorded a minimum of 2.3°C and 9.0°C as maximum temperatures, Gulmarg, the official said, recorded a low of minus 2.4°C and 6.8 as maximum temperatures.
Meanwhile shooting stones again disrupted vehicular movement along Srinagar Jammu highway at Dalwas. Later the highway was restored for single way traffic.
A traffic police spokesman said during the past 24 hours, Jammu-Srinagar NHW remained blocked for 45 minutes due to repair work at Dalwas.
“Slow movement was observed on NH-44 due to breakdown of 03 HMVs and single lane traffic and poor surface condition of road at Dalwas. Passengers/LMVs operators are advised to prefer journeys on Jammu-Srinagar NHW during day time,” he said.
The spokesman said in view of the acute poor surface condition of the road at Dalwas, management has decided that on Tuesday only one way traffic shall be allowed on Jammu Srinagar NHW (NH-44) till the surface is made traffic worthy..
“Subject to fair weather and good road conditions, only one way traffic shall be allowed on Jammu -Srinagar NHW. Tomorrow LMVs shall be allowed from Jammu towards Srinagar, these vehicles shall be allowed from Nagrota (Jammu) from 0600 hrs to 1100 hrs. However, HMVs shall be managed in a regulated manner,” he said.
The spokesman said people are requested to be alert while traveling and be cautious of shooting stones and landslides and avoid travel if not necessary. No Vehicle shall be allowed after cut off timing, he said.
The 270-kilometre-long highway is the lifeline of supplies for the landlocked Valley as all essential commodities are brought in through this highway.
Meanwhile Srinagar-Sonamarg-highway is still blocked due to snow accumulation. No traffic will be allowed on these highways on Tuesday.
