Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a spell of rain and snowfall on Friday, impacting both the plains and mountainous regions of the region. The inclement weather conditions temporarily disrupted traffic movement on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway, necessitating caution due to shooting stones.
Plains across the Valley, including the summer capital Srinagar, experienced bouts of light rain during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Additionally, light snowfall was observed in the hilly terrains, notably at popular destinations like Gulmarg in north Kashmir and Doodhpathri in central Kashmir. Traffic authorities reported a brief halt in traffic flow around 4pm due to shooting stones at Kishtwari Pather, but the road was subsequently cleared, allowing for resumed movement until the usual closing time at 6pm.
As a result of the precipitation, day temperatures in the Kashmir valley dropped, with Srinagar recording a maximum temperature of 7.6 degrees Celsius, significantly below the seasonal average. Other regions experienced even cooler temperatures, with Gulmarg registering a chilly 0.8 degrees Celsius.
In anticipation of continued snowfall and rainfall, the Jammu and Kashmir disaster management authority issued avalanche warnings for ten districts across the region. Residents in these areas were advised to exercise caution and avoid venturing into avalanche-prone areas.
According to the India Meteorological Department’s Srinagar center director Mukhtar Ahmad, heavy snowfall is expected over the next two days, particularly in mountainous regions and some plains of the Valley. Additionally, parts of the Jammu plains may experience moderate to heavy rain, with potential thunder, lightning, and hail storms accompanied by gusty winds.
The weather forecast suggests an improvement after March 3, although scattered rain and snowfall may persist until March 7 in some areas. Despite the adverse weather conditions, authorities remain vigilant to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and travelers amidst the changing climate patterns in the region.
Sources By Agencies