Srinagar, Mar 16: After a week-long spell of snowfall and rain in Kashmir, the Meteorological Department (MeT) has predicted mainly dry and clear weather conditions till 25th March in the region. However, brief spells of rain and isolated thunderstorms cannot be ruled out during this period, officials said.
Director MeT, Dr. Mukhtar said that from 17-25th, March weather will remain generally dry with cloudiness & possibility of light snow over isolated higher reaches on 19th night. He advised farmers to resume farm operations.
As per MeT data, during the past 24 hours Day temperature has decreases by (1 to 03) °C in many parts of J&K with highest temperature in Jammu (24.0°C), Kathua (23.4 °C) in the Jammu Division, & the day temperatures also decreases by (03 to 08) “C in Kashmir Division, Srinagar (5.6%), recorded highest among others.
Night temperature has decreases by (00 to 04) “Cover many parts of J&K with Lowest minimum temperature in Bhaderwah (2.1°C), Banihal (2.0°C), in Jammu Division & Night temperate Increased and decreases by (01 to 02 °c) in Kashmir Division at many places with Lowest Minimum temperature in Gulmarg (-3.0°C), & Pahalgam (-0.2°c).
On Monday, 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.
Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri road has been closed due to snow accumulation. Mughal Road and Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road and Bhaderwah-Chamba have already been closed for vehicular movement in view of snow accumulation along the roads.
Meanwhile Karnah-Kupwara road has been closed for traffic movement after fresh snowfall at Sadhna Top. Border Roads Organisation has initiated snow-clearing operations to restore vehicular movement.
Meanwhile Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority issued a medium-danger level avalanche warning for four districts of Kashmir division.
A JKDMA Spokesperson said an avalanche with medium danger level is likely to occur above 2400 meters over Bandipora, Doda, Kistawar, Ramban, Ganderbal in next 24 hours. In case of emergency dial 112.
“People living in these (specified) areas are advised to take precautions and avoid venturing in the avalanche prone areas till further orders,” he said.