Srinagar, 17-02-2024 : The Kashmir region is on alert as it braces for a significant bout of snowfall, with officials reporting a rise in night temperatures above sub-zero levels. According to the meteorological center in Srinagar, an extended period of wet weather is anticipated to commence from Saturday night and persist until the afternoon of February 21 across Jammu and Kashmir and neighboring areas.
In contrast to the prolonged dry spell experienced earlier this year, marked by only two instances of light to moderate snowfall between January 28 and February 3, the forthcoming precipitation is expected to be more substantial. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the Meteorological Department in Srinagar, indicated that the weather will initially be partly cloudy until February 17 afternoon, following which precipitation is anticipated, starting with light snowfall in higher elevations later in the evening.
Subsequently, heavy to very heavy snowfall is forecasted for February 18 in the middle and upper regions of Kashmir, particularly in isolated higher areas of the North, Northwest, Central, and South Kashmir. From February 19 to 20, light to moderate rain and snow are likely across most plains and lower areas, with heavier snowfall anticipated in the middle and higher regions of Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Budgam, and South Kashmir districts.
On February 21, intermittent light to moderate snowfall is expected in various areas until the afternoon or late afternoon, followed by gradual improvement thereafter. In Jammu, intermittent light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning in plains, as well as light to moderate snowfall in higher regions, including heavy snowfall in isolated higher areas of Ramban, Poonch, Doda, and Kishtwar, is projected from February 18 to 21.
The inclement weather conditions are likely to necessitate the temporary closure of roads in higher elevations and crucial passes such as Sinthan Pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna, Razdan Passes, and Zojila. Travelers are advised to plan accordingly, while farmers are urged to suspend irrigation and fertilizer application and drain excess water from orchards during this period.
Moreover, the weather system is expected to bring a notable drop in daytime temperatures throughout the five-day wet spell. In anticipation of heavy snowfall, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir has instructed all deputy commissioners to ensure preparedness with sufficient manpower, resources, and machinery to address any potential challenges.
Meanwhile, night temperatures have risen at most locations, with Srinagar recording a minimum temperature of 3°C. Pahalgam and Gulmarg reported minimum temperatures of 0.7°C and -1.2°C, respectively, according to the Meteorological Department.
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