As Kashmir is experiencing a severe cold, with Jammu recording temperatures below the normal on Wednesday, the Meteorological Department has forecasted snowfall, rain in both the plains and higher elevations from January 26 to February 1 in the region.
Director MeT, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad told Rising Kashmir that under the influence of fresh western disturbances, there is possibility of wet spell from 26th January onward till 1st February in the Himalayan region.
“On Thursday, weather will remain generally cloudy towards afternoon with light snow at isolated higher reaches towards night. On 26th January, there is a possibility of light Rain over plains & light snow at isolated higher reaches towards early morning,” he said.
Dr Mukhtar said that similarly wet spell will continue till 1stFebruary in the Kashmir region. Similarly in Jammu region, moderate to dense fog is likely to continue over plains of Jammu division till Thursday.
Meanwhile the MeT department has issued an advisory also stating that this weather system may lead to temporary closure of roads of higher reaches and important passes like Sinthan pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna & Razdan pass, Zojila etc. particularly during 28-31st Jan. Travellers are advised to plan accordingly,” it said.
Srinagar had minus 5.3, Gulmarg minus 4.8 and Pahalgam minus 6.3 as the minimum temperature. Leh town in Ladakh region had minus 11.5 and Kargil minus 10.1 as the minimum temperature. Jammu city had 2.3, Katra 4.6, Batote 1.5, Bhaderwah minus 1 and Banihal minus 1.8 as the minimum temperature.
Kashmir has been going through a prolonged dry spell and a 79 per cent deficit in rainfall was recorded for December while there has been no precipitation in most parts of the valley till 24th January.
The Kashmir valley is currently in the midst of ‘Chillai-Kalan,’ a 40-day harsh winter period that extends until January 29. It’s important to note that the conclusion of Chillai-Kalan does not mark the end of winter, as it is succeeded by ‘Chillai-Khurd,’ a 20-day period from January 30 to February 19, and ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold), a 10-day period from February 20 to March 1.
A traffic police official said that there was a slowdown on Srinagar-Jammu highway during the past 24 hours due to sluggish movement on NH-44 due to vehicle breakdowns and poor surface conditions.
He said on Thursday, contingent upon fair weather and favorable road conditions, both Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) and Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) would be permitted from both sides on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44). Commuters were urged to adhere to lane discipline.
Additionally, vehicular movement on the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri road would be permitted from both directions—Srinagar to Kargil and vice versa.
Simultaneously, vehicular movement on the Mughal road will be permitted from both directions—Poonch to Shopian and vice versa. Vehicles would be allowed from Behramgalla (Buffliaz) and Herpora (Shopian) between 1000 hrs and 1500 hrs, pending a green signal from road agencies.
