Srinagar, Jan 28: A series of western disturbances (WDs) are set to impact Jammu and Kashmir from Wednesday night, potentially bringing light rain and snow to scattered and fairly widespread areas over the next six days, officials have reported.
The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has forecast a six-day spell of wet weather starting Wednesday evening. While the weather is expected to remain generally dry till afternoon and light snow may occur at isolated higher altitudes during the late night.
Director MeT, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad told Rising Kashmir that from the night of January 29 through the morning of January 30, a fresh spell of light rain and snow is anticipated across scattered to fairly widespread locations. On January 31, light precipitation is likely in isolated areas, he said.
“Another wave of light rain and snow is forecast for February 1 and 2, with moderate snowfall possible over some middle and higher elevations. A further light spell of snow may occur at scattered locations on February 3. The weather on February 4 and 5 is expected to remain predominantly cloudy, with light rain and snow affecting scattered to fairly widespread areas,” Dr Mukhtar said.
Meanwhile, despite a persistent chill in the Kashmir Valley, a slight improvement in nighttime temperatures was recorded. Srinagar reported a minimum temperature of -4.3°C, up from -5.5°C the previous night, yet still 3.4°C below the seasonal average for the region’s summer capital.
The Meteorological Centre predicts a rise in minimum temperatures by 2–4°C across many locations starting January 29.
Pahalgam in south Kashmir experienced a further dip, recording -6.6°C against the previous night’s -6.4°C, which is 1.1°C below normal for the tourist destination.
Gulmarg in north Kashmir improved slightly, settling at -5°C, compared to -5.2°C the previous night. Other locations recorded the following minimum temperatures: Qazigund at -4.1°C, Kokernag at -1.6°C, and Kupwara at -4.1°C, according to the MeT office.
The harshest phase of winter in the Kashmir Valley, known as “Chillai Kalan,” will conclude on January 30, marking the end of its traditional 40-day duration.
Meanwhile during the past 24 hours, there was slow movement observed on NH-44 due to single lane traffic at Dalwas, Mehad, between Marog and Kishtwari Pather and due to four lane construction work.
On Wednesday, 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).
On Srinagar-Leh road, only one way traffic for LMVs followed by HMVs (upto 06 tyres) with Anti-skid chains from Kargil towards Srinagar shall be allowed on Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari road.
“ These vehicles shall be allowed from Minamarg towards Srinagar between 1000 hrs to 1500 hrs. No vehicle shall be allowed after cut off timing. Motorists are advised to carry anti-skid chain to gain more grip on the slippery road,” he said
