10-11-2023 : In the recent weather developments in Jammu and Kashmir, higher reaches of the region witnessed a fresh spell of snowfall, while the plains experienced widespread rainfall, leading to the closure of several roads. Various areas in the Kashmir Valley, including Razdan Pass, Pir Ki Gali, Zojila Pass, Sinthan Top, Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Doodpathri, Kulgam, and Machil, reported snowfall, affecting normal life in these regions.
The impact of the weather conditions has resulted in the closure of key roadways, such as Razdan Pass, Zojila Pass, Kishtwar-Anantnag road, Mughal road connecting south Kashmir’s Shopian district with the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch in Jammu, Phirkiyan Gali, Machil in Kupwara, and Srinagar-Sonamarg road. These closures have disrupted traffic movement in these areas, creating challenges for commuters and transportation.
Despite the challenging weather conditions, the Srinagar-Jammu national highway has been reported to be open for normal traffic, according to the J&K traffic police. However, rainfall has been reported along this highway.
The Meteorological Department in Srinagar has forecast fairly widespread rain in the plains and snowfall over higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir in the next 24 hours. The department anticipates a gradual decrease in precipitation from late afternoon onwards. Presently, light to moderate rain/snowfall is reported in most places across Jammu and Kashmir.
The weather outlook suggests that from November 11 to 17, the region is expected to experience dry weather with warm days, as indicated by the Meteorological Office.
Independent weather observer, specializing in Kashmir weather, notes that the current weather system responsible for widespread rainfall is moving eastwards. Improvement in weather conditions is expected during the day, particularly in northern Kashmir.
Srinagar and its adjacent areas bore the brunt of widespread rains, disrupting normal life and causing a drop in temperature. Low-lying roads were inundated due to the heavy rainfall, affecting daily activities.
Temperature readings recorded during the weather event indicate a minimum temperature of 6.3 degrees Celsius in Srinagar, which also experienced 17.5mm of rainfall. Other areas, including Qazigund, Pahalgam, Kupwara, Kokernag, and Gulmarg, reported varying degrees of temperature and rainfall during this period, reflecting the diverse impact of the weather conditions across the region.