Srinagar, Nov 09 (KNO): The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has predicted that Jammu and Kashmir is likely to witness fresh spells of rain and snowfall from November 10 onwards as a relatively intense Western Disturbance is expected to bring widespread precipitation across the Union Territory on November 12 and 13.
The latest forecast accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) revealed that the weather system is likely to bring light to moderate rain in the plains and snowfall over higher reaches, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds at some places. “Day temperatures are expected to fall by 6-8 degrees Celsius during the period,” the forecast added.
Director of the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, said an initial Western Disturbance would approach Jammu and Kashmir on November 10, bringing a possibility of light snowfall over isolated mountainous areas, particularly in North and Central Kashmir.
He said another Western Disturbance of moderate intensity is expected to affect the region around November 12, with the possibility of widespread snowfall across the higher reaches of North, Central and South Kashmir, as well as the Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley regions.
Some higher-altitude areas could receive moderate snowfall, while thunderstorms and gusty winds are also possible during the period, Ahmad said.
SNOWFALL COULD DISRUPT TRAFFIC
He cautioned that fresh snowfall could disrupt traffic on important mountain passes and hilly roads, including Zojila, Sadhna Pass, Razdan Pass, Mughal Road and Sinthan Top.
Travellers, tourists, transporters and the general public have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly, check road and highway conditions before setting out and follow traffic advisories issued by the authorities.
The MeT Centre has also advised farmers to suspend harvesting activities during November 12 and 13 and ensure safe storage of crops that have already been harvested.
The Director MeT said temperatures could witness a significant decline following the precipitation, with daytime temperatures remaining around 5-8 degrees below normal during the subsequent period.
Meanwhile, weather conditions remained dry across Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, with the Meteorological Centre recording no rainfall during the preceding 24 hours.
According to the department's station-wise data, Shopian recorded a minimum temperature of minus 0.7 degrees Celsius, while Pulwama recorded minus 0.1 degrees Celsius. Srinagar recorded a minimum of 1 degree Celsius at the automatic weather station in the city.
The department has advised people, particularly those travelling through higher reaches, to exercise caution in view of the possibility of fresh snowfall and slippery road conditions—(KNO)