Possibility of Heavy Snowfall in Kashmir Valley: MeT Srinagar
Possibility of Heavy Snowfall in Kashmir Valley: MeT Srinagar
Srinagar, Jan 27: The Meteorological Department has predicted an extended wet spell from January 28 to February 3, as two Western Disturbances are expected to impact Jammu and Kashmir and its adjoining areas.
According to a meteorological department official, “A couple of moderate Western Disturbances are most likely to affect Jammu and Kashmir and adjoining areas from the afternoon of January 28 onwards.”
This weather system is expected to bring an extended wet spell from Sunday afternoon until February 3 over Jammu and Kashmir and its adjoining areas.
During January 28-29, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain/snow in many places, with heavy snowfall forecasted in isolated higher reaches of Kashmir Division, including Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Shopian, and Kulgam, during the night of January 28 to late afternoon/evening of January 29.
From January 30 to January 31, light to moderate rain and snow is expected in many places, with heavy snowfall likely in a few higher reaches of the aforementioned areas.
Between February 1 and February 3, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain and snow in many places.
The Meteorological Department has issued an advisory cautioning about the temporary closure of roads in higher reaches and important passes such as Sinthan Pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna and Razdan Pass, and Zojila, particularly between January 28 and January 31. Travelers are advised to plan accordingly.
Farmers are also advised to withhold irrigation and fertilizer application and drain out excess water from orchards and fields during this period.
The period is expected to witness a significant drop in day temperatures.
Night temperatures have remained above normal at most places except for the twin capitals, with Srinagar recording a low of minus 2.3°C, Qazigund at 2.2°C, Pahalgam at minus 5.1°C, Kokernag at minus 0.8°C, Kupwara at minus 2.4°C, and Gulmarg at minus 6.4°C.
In Jammu, the minimum temperature was recorded at 7.0°C, while Banihal recorded 0.4°C, Batote 3.1°C, and Bhaderwah minus 0.2°C.
Kashmir Valley is currently experiencing ‘Chillai-Kalan’, the 40-day harsh period of winter, which will end on January 29. However, this does not signify the end of winter, as it will be followed by a 20-day period called ‘Chillai-Khurd’ between January 30 and February 19, and a 10-day period ‘Chillai-Bachha’ from February 20 to March 1. (GNS)
