Srinagar, Jan 17: The Meteorological Department (MeT) on Saturday issued a detailed forecast for Jammu and Kashmir, warning of a fresh wet spell likely to impact the Union Territory from January 19 onward.
Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the MeT Srinagar, said that January 17 and 18 are expected to remain partly to generally cloudy, with light snowfall possible over isolated higher reaches.
From January 19 to 20, conditions are likely to turn generally cloudy, with light to moderate rain and snowfall at scattered to fairly widespread locations across the region. January 21 is expected to see partly to generally cloudy skies, with chances of light snowfall at isolated higher elevations.
A significant change in weather is forecast from the evening of January 22, with generally cloudy conditions and light to moderate rain or snowfall at most places between January 23 and 24. Some districts of the Chenab Valley, the Pir Panjal range, and parts of south Kashmir may experience heavy rain or snowfall during this period. Light rain or snowfall is likely at scattered locations on January 26, he added.
The Meteorological Department issued an advisory warning of heavy rain and snowfall in vulnerable areas, along with gusty winds and potential landslides in some zones. Travelers have been advised to plan journeys carefully, especially during January 23–24, and to follow traffic and administrative instructions.
Farmers have been advised to suspend agricultural activities during the forecasted wet spell to minimize losses.