MeT Forecasts Rain, Snow in Kashmir, Finally

MeT Forecasts Rain, Snow in Kashmir, Finally

Srinagar: The Meteorological Department has predicted a welcome change in the weather for Jammu and Kashmir after a prolonged dry spell of two months. According to the latest forecast, residents can expect light rain and snowfall in the region over the next two days.On Thursday, the weather is anticipated to be generally cloudy, with the likelihood of light snowfall at isolated higher reaches towards the night. January 26th is expected to bring a mix of generally cloudy conditions, light rain over plains, and light snow at isolated higher reaches during the early morning hours.  

Looking ahead, between January 27 and February 2, there is a possibility of widespread light to moderate rain and snowfall. Additionally, moderate to dense fog is expected to persist over the plains of Jammu Division.

The Meteorological Department issued an advisory cautioning about temporary road closures in higher reaches and crucial passes such as Sinthan Pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna and Razdan Pass, Zojila, etc., particularly during January 28 to 31. “Travelers are advised to plan accordingly and stay informed about the evolving weather conditions,” the advisory stated.According to Faizan Arif, an independent forecaster the upcoming spell may bring a slight relief, however, many more spells are required to compensate the deficit J&K has faced during the last two months. “The forecast confidence for 25th January to 29th January ranges between 60 percent to 95 percent,” Faizan said.Meanwhile, Bandipora was the coldest recorded place in Jammu and Kashmir with the minimum temperature in the north Kashmir district falling nearly eight degrees below freezing point, officials said on Wednesday.Bandipora recorded a low of minus 7.9 degrees Celsius followed by Pulwama in south Kashmir at minus 7.3 degrees Celsius and Shopian at minus 6.9 degrees Celsius, the officials said.Srinagar city recorded a minimum temperature of minus 5.3 degrees Celsius on Tuesday night, marginally down from previous night’s minus 5.3 degrees Celsius, the officials said.Pahalgam in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, which serves as one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath Yatra, recorded a minimum temperature of minus 6.3 degrees Celsius.They said Qazigund town in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 5.4 degrees Celsius and the ski resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 4.8 degrees Celsius.The minimum temperature in Kokernag town settled at minus 2.3 degrees Celsius and in Kupwara at minus 5.3 degrees Celsius.