Srinagar, Nov 25: After two days of snowfall and rain in Kashmir, the Meteorological Department (MeT) has predicted mainly dry and clear weather conditions over the next four days. However, brief spells of rain and isolated thunderstorms cannot be ruled out during this period, officials said.
Director MeT, Dr. Mukhtar said that from November 25 to 29, the region is expected to experience generally dry weather. From Nov 30, conditions will turn cloudy, with chances of light rain or light snow over higher reaches at isolated locations by the evening.
“Between December 1 and 2, the weather is predicted to be generally cloudy, accompanied by light rain or light snow in higher reaches, occurring at scattered to fairly widespread locations,” Dr Mukhtar said.
He further said that tourists, trekkers, travellers, and transporters are advised to adhere to administrative and traffic advisories.
Kashmir has endured a prolonged spell of sub-zero temperatures, with various areas in the Valley reporting minimum temperatures ranging between minus 1 to minus 2 degrees Celsius, intensifying the already frigid conditions.
The dense fog continued to blanket many areas, compelling vehicles to operate with headlights on during morning and evening hours. The sub-zero temperatures have not only intensified the winter chill but have also led to the freezing of water bodies and a significant drop in daytime temperatures.
According to the MeT data, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 15.4 °C and a minimum of 4.0°C. The ski resort Gulmarg recorded a maximum temperature of 4.0 °C and a minimum of minus 2.4°C, while the health resort Pahalgam recorded 11.4 °C as the maximum and a minimum of minus 2.3 °C.
In north Kashmir’s Kupwara, maximum temperatures settled at 15.8 °C, with minimum temperatures at 1.2°C.
Meanwhile during the past 24 hours, there was slow movement observed on Srinagar-Jammu highway due to breakdown of 02 HMVs, single lane traffic at Dalwas, Mehad and between Marog & Kishtwari Pather.
He said subject to fair weather and better road conditions LMVs Passenger/Private Cars/HMVs shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44) viz from Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa.
On Kishtwar- Sinthan- Anantnag NH-244, Vehicular movement (only LMVs) on Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road shall be allowed from both sides viz from Anantnag towards Kishtwar and vice versa.
“These vehicles shall be allowed from Daksum and Chingam (Chatroo) between 0900 hrs to 1500 hrs. No vehicle shall be allowed after cut off timing,” the spokesman said.
On SSG Road, traffic movement shall be allowed in regulated manner on Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari road. LMVs followed by HMVs shall be allowed from Minamarg towards Srinagar at 0730 hrs. to 1130 hrs.
“Similarly, LMVs followed by HMVs shall be allowed from Sonamarg towards Kargil at 1330 hrs to 1800 hrs. No vehicle shall be allowed after cut off timing. Motorists are advised to carry anti-skid chains to gain more grip on the slippery road.”
On Mughal road, subject to fair weather and good road condition, vehicular movement (LMVs followed by HMVs upto 10 tyre) on Mughal road shall be allowed from both sides viz. from Poonch towards Shopian and vice versa.
“These vehicles shall be allowed from Behramgalla (Buffliaz) and Herpora (Shopian) at 0700 hrs. upto 1700 hrs. No vehicle shall be allowed after the cut of timing,” it added.
