Heavy to Very Heavy Snowfall Predicted in Kashmir: Check Advisory for Farmers, Travelers, and Public

Heavy to Very Heavy Snowfall Predicted in Kashmir: Check Advisory for Farmers, Travelers, and Public

Srinagar, Feb 16: As Kashmir Valley prepares for an extended wet spell starting from February 17 evening, night temperatures have seen a rise across the region. According to the meteorological department, Srinagar experienced a low of minus 1.6°C, marking a significant increase from the previous night’s minus 3.0°C. This temperature deviation, below normal by 2.6°C for this time of the year, is observed in the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir.

Other regions in the valley also witnessed slight variations in temperatures. Qazigund recorded a minimum of minus 1.2°C, Pahalgam at minus 4.2°C, Kokernag at 0.4°C, Kupwara at minus 2.4°C, and Gulmarg at minus 3.4°C. Notably, Gulmarg’s temperature was above normal by 3.4°C for this period.

Meanwhile, Jammu, the winter capital of J&K, recorded a minimum of 9.2°C, slightly below the normal by 1.3°C. Banihal, Batote, and Bhaderwah recorded temperatures of 1.0°C, 4.6°C, and 2.4°C respectively.

The meteorological department has issued a forecast indicating an “extended wet spell” expected to commence from Saturday night until the afternoon of February 21.

This forecast is attributed to the influence of a couple of moderate to intense Western Disturbances likely to affect J&K and adjoining areas from February 17 afternoon onwards.

In anticipation of this weather system, the Kashmir Valley is expected to experience partly to generally cloudy conditions with the possibility of light snow at isolated higher reaches towards late Saturday night. February 18 may see generally cloudy weather with the likelihood of light to moderate rain and snow at many places.

From February 19-20, the region may witness light to moderate rain and snow at most places, with the possibility of heavy snowfall over middle and higher reaches of certain districts. Subsequently, on February 21, there is a possibility of light to moderate snow at many places, followed by gradual improvement thereafter.

Similarly, Jammu division is expected to experience light rain and snow at many places on Sunday, with intermittent light to moderate rain and snow in the plains and higher reaches from February 19-20.

In light of these forecasts, the meteorological office has issued an advisory cautioning travelers about the potential temporary closure of roads in higher reaches and important passes.

Farmers are also advised to adjust agricultural activities accordingly due to the expected drop in day temperatures during this period.

Kashmir, having recently transitioned from the harsh 40-day winter period of ‘Chillai-Kalan’ to the current 20-day period called ‘Chillai-Khurd,’ is preparing for the subsequent 10-day ‘Chillai-Bachha’ period starting from February 20.