Srinagar, Nov 10: Jammu and Kashmir is likely to receive widespread rain and snowfall on November 12 and 13 as a moderate-intensity Western Disturbance is expected to affect the region, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures and possible disruptions on key mountain roads.
The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has forecast light to moderate rainfall in the plains and snowfall over higher reaches, with thunderstorms and gusty winds likely at isolated places during the period.
“Day temperatures are expected to fall by 6-8 degrees Celsius during the period,” the MeT forecast said.
Director of Meteorological Centre Srinagar, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, said an initial Western Disturbance would approach Jammu and Kashmir on November 10, with the possibility of light snowfall over isolated mountainous areas, particularly in North and Central Kashmir.
He said another Western Disturbance of moderate intensity was expected to affect the region around November 12, potentially bringing widespread snowfall to higher reaches across North, Central and South Kashmir, besides the Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley regions.
Some higher-altitude areas could receive moderate snowfall, while thunderstorms and gusty winds are also possible at a few places, Ahmad said.
Snowfall may disrupt traffic
The fresh spell of snowfall could affect traffic movement 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 departure and follow traffic advisories issued by the authorities.
The MeT Centre has also advised farmers to suspend harvesting operations on November 12 and 13 and ensure the safe storage of crops already harvested.
Ahmad said temperatures were likely to decline considerably following the precipitation, with daytime readings expected to remain around 5-8 degrees Celsius below normal during the subsequent period.
Meanwhile, weather conditions remained dry across Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, with no rainfall recorded during the preceding 24 hours, according to the Meteorological Centre.
Among the coldest recorded locations, Shopian registered a minimum temperature of minus 0.7 degrees Celsius, followed by Pulwama at minus 0.1 degrees Celsius. Srinagar recorded a minimum of 1 degree Celsius at the city’s automatic weather station.
The department has advised people, particularly those travelling through higher-altitude areas, to exercise caution in view of the possibility of fresh snowfall and slippery road conditions.
