MeT predicts another wet spell from March 22

Srinagar, March 15: After three days of inclement weather in Kashmir, there was significant improvement in prevailing weather conditions on Thursday, while the Meteorological Department has predicted another wet spell in Jammu and Kashmir from March 22-24.
Director MeT Srinagar, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad told Rising Kashmir that after three days, weather improved significantly on Thursday in the valley. “We are expecting generally dry weather till March 20,” he said.
“From 14th to 18th January, the weather will remain mostly dry and clear. There is no forecast of any major spell during the period. There will be a rise in minimum temperature and increase in day temperature during the period”, he said.
As weather improved, the maximum temperatures in Kashmir on Thursday recorded a rise in day temperatures, Srinagar recorded 15.2 degrees Celsius as the maximum temperature and 4.4°C as the minimum temperature.
Pahalgam settled at 12.4°C degrees and minus 1.3 °C as minimum temperatures. Ski-resort Gulmarg recorded 6.0 °C as the maximum temperature and minus 4.8°C as minimum temperature.
Winter Capital Jammu recorded 25.7 degrees Celsius as the maximum temperature and 13.5 as the minimum temperature.
Meanwhile, The Jammu and Kashmir State Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA) also issued an avalanche warning in 8 districts of Jammu and Kashmir for the next 24 hours.
A JKDMA spokesperson said that an avalanche with medium danger level is likely to occur in Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, Ramban, Kupwara, Bandipora, Ganderbal and Baramulla.
He said that people living in these areas are advised to take precautions and avoid venturing in the avalanche prone areas.
The traffic police spokesman said on Thursday morning Jammu Srinagar National Highway was blocked at many places between Nashri and Banihal at Dalwas, Mehar, Gangroo, Mom Passi, Lower Nachlana, Kishtwari Pathar due to mudslide/shooting stones, Thousands of HMVs were stuck between Dalwas and Banihal, he said.
“While in the evening, after restoration work LMVs were plying from both sides on NHW (NH-44)”, he said.
Moreover, people are advised/requested not ply against advisory/traffic plan in view of possible traffic congestion because of narrow carriageway between Nashree and Banihal on Jammu-Srinagar NHW, the spokesman said.
He also said during the past 24 hours, Jammu Srinagar highway remained blocked for 11 hours due to landslides/mudslides/shooting stones at many places between Nashri and Banihal. Slow movement was observed on NH-44 due to breakdown of 03 HMVs and single lane traffic at Dalwas, Panthyal, Nachlana, Shalgarhi etc. and poor surface condition of road at many places between Nashri and NAVYUG Tunnel, he said.
He said on Friday, subject to fair weather and good road conditions, LMVs Passenger/Private Cars shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar NHW viz Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa. However, HMVs shall be allowed from NAVYUG Tunnel (Qazigund side) towards Jammu after assessing the road condition. 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, the spokesman said.
He said that Security Forces are advised/requested not to ply against the advisory/traffic plan in view of possible traffic congestion because of the narrow carriage way between Nashree and Banihal on Jammu-Srinagar NHW. Today they may ply from Srinagar towards Jammu after confirming the status of NHW from TCU Ramban.
Meanwhile Sonamarg-Leh highway and Mughal road remained closed for 18th Day due to snowfall along the highway.