Srinagar, Apr 29: After four days of inclement weather in Kashmir, there was significant improvement in prevailing weather conditions on Saturday, while Meteorological Department has predicted another wet spell from Monday onwards, officials said.
Director MeT, Sonam Lotus told Rising Kashmir that after 4 days, weather improved significantly on Saturday in valley. “We are expecting dry and cloudy weather during the next 24 hours in the region”, he said.
He said from May 1 to 4, , there is a possibility of widespread light to moderate rain, thunderstorm. Some places will receive heavy rain during the same period, Lotus said.
As weather improved, the maximum temperatures on Saturday improved on Saturday, Srinagar recorded 17.7 degrees Celsius as the maximum temperature and 7.4 °C as the minimum temperature.
Pahalgam settled at 14.2°C degrees and 3.8 °C as minimum temperatures. Ski-resort Gulmarg recorded 5.6 °C as the maximum temperature and minus 0.5°C as minimum temperature.
Winter Capital Jammu recorded 35.5 degrees Celsius as the maximum temperature and 19.7 °C as the minimum temperature.
J&K Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) on Saturday issued a fresh avalanche warning in the low and higher reaches of 10 districts of J&K.
A spokesman said an avalanche with a low danger level is likely to occur above 2800 to 3000 meters above sea level over Baramulla district in next 24 hours.
“People living in these areas are advised to take precautions and avoid venturing in the avalanche-prone areas till further orders”, he said.
A traffic police department spokesman said Jammu-Srinagar highway remained blocked for 03 hours 23 mins due to landslides at Shalgarhi, Banihal, blocked for 20 mins due to shooting stones at Cafeteria.
“NAVUG Tunnel closed for 40 mins by Tunnel authority, making the total blockage of 04 hours 23 mins. Also slow movement on NH-44 due to breakdown of 03 HMVs and movement of 08 nomadic flocks between Nashri and NAVYUG Tunnel,” he said.
On Sunday, subject to fair weather and road clearance, LMVs Passenger/Private Cars shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar. TCU Jammu/Srinagar shall liaise with TCU Ramban before releasing the traffic, he said.
On Sonamarg-Leh highway, only one way traffic from Srinagar towards Kargil shall be allowed on the road. These vehicles shall be allowed from Sonamarg, LMVs at 0630 hrs. to 0730 hrs. followed by HMVs upto 0930 hrs. No vehicle shall be allowed after cut off timing, he said.
