Srinagar, 27-01-2024 : Amidst the long-persisting dry spell in the Kashmir Valley, a welcome change has been ushered in by light rain and snowfall in the higher reaches, as reported by officials on Saturday. This development follows the forecast of wet weather by the Meteorological (MeT) department, predicting the continuation of such conditions until February 3.
The recent snow accumulation has led to the closure of vital transportation routes, including the Mughal Road that links Poonch and Rajouri districts in the Jammu region with south Kashmir’s Shopian district, as well as the Srinagar-Leh highway.
A Traffic official confirmed the closure, stating, “Both highways are closed due to the snow accumulation.” The MeT department anticipates partly to generally cloudy weather with the likelihood of light snow in isolated higher reaches towards late Saturday evening. Subsequently, from January 28-29, the forecast indicates generally cloudy conditions with the possibility of light to moderate rain or snow at numerous locations.
For the following two days, the MeT department predicts the potential for light to moderate rain or snow in many places. The wet weather forecast extends further to February 1-3, during which there is a possibility of light to moderate rain or snow in various areas.
In light of this weather forecast, the MeT department warns that the system might result in the temporary closure of roads in higher reaches and important passes, such as Sinthan Pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna, Razdan Pass, and Zojila, especially from January 28-31. Travelers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly.
The conclusion of the 40-day period of intense winter cold known as ‘Chillai Kalan’ on December 30 has not seen any significant snowfall in the Kashmir Valley thus far. Meanwhile, the minimum temperature in Srinagar was recorded at minus 2.3 degrees Celsius, compared to minus 0.5°C on the previous night. Notably, the ski resort of Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 6.4 °C, while the tourist resort of Pahalgam registered minus 5.1 degrees during the previous night. In Jammu, the minimum temperature was 7.0°C, below normal by 1.7°C.