Srinagar, Dec 08: The Meteorological Department on Thursday said they were expecting light to moderate spell of rain from Friday onward which was likely to bring relief from severe cold and dry weather conditions prevalent in Kashmir.
Director Meteorological Department Srinagar, Sonam Lotus told Rising Kashmir that they were expecting intermittent moderate rain and light snow (1-2 inches) in plains and 9-10 inches of snow in higher reaches of valley on December 9 and 10.
Lotus said Kashmir was witnessing cold and dry weather conditions for the past several weeks while the expecting downpour was likely to provide some respite to the people. He said although there is no forecast of any major snow during this spell.
He said, “Light rain was expected at isolated to scattered places of Jammu.”
The Met director said in view of the forecast, there may be temporary disruption in surface transportation over Sinthan Top, Mughal Road, Razdan pass, Bandipora-Gurez, Zojila during 9 -10th December.
Meanwhile, as the minimum temperature went down on Thursday, a thick layer of fog engulfed parts of Srinagar and other parts of the Valley, reducing visibility and causing less traffic on roads and major highways.
Several parts of Kashmir witnessed sub-zero temperatures resulting in the partial freezing of water bodies, including Dal and Nigeen lakes. While tapes and water bodies remained frozen in most parts of the Valley.
As per MeT data, summer capital Srinagar recorded a minimum of minus 2.8°C . Health resort of Pahalgam in south Kashmir settled at minus 3.6°C degrees and it was the coldest place in the Valley.
Ski-resort Gulmarg recorded minus 2.8°C as the minimum temperature. Minimum temperature in Kupwara in north Kashmir settled at minus 2.5°C.
In UT Ladakh, Leh recorded a low of minus 8.2°C, while Kargil recorded minus 12.1°C. However, Drass in Kargil, the second coldest place in the world, remained the coldest in the country at minus 12°C.
As per the traffic advisory for Monday, there will be two-way traffic on the Srinagar-Jammu highway, “Subject to fair weather better road condition, LMVs (Passenger) shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar NHW viz Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa. TCU Jammu/Srinagar shall liaise with TCU Ramban before releasing the traffic,” it said.
Similarly on Mughal road, LMVs from both sides and HMVs (upto twelve tyres) from Srinagar towards Poonch shall be allowed on Mughal road. LMVs from Behramgalla 0800 hrs upto 1500 hrs., from Herpora 0800 hrs upto 1600 hrs & HMVs from Herpora 0900 hrs. upto 1500 hrs, the advisory said.
“On the Srinagar-Leh highway, vehicular movement shall be allowed from Kargil towards Srinagar” the official said. Adding that it will be followed by HMVs. No vehicle will be allowed after cut-off timings, it said.
