IMD predicts major snowfall, rains in Kashmir

Srinagar, Feb 29:  The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted moderate to heavy snowfall and rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir from Thursday night and the authorities urged the people to avoid avalanche-prone areas.

“An active Western Disturbance is expected to impact the Western Himalayan region from February 29 and the plains of northwest India from March 1 to March 3, with the peak intensity on March 1 and 2, 2024,” the IMD said.

An advisory issued by the authorities in Jammu and Kashmir said, “Travellers and tourists are advised to plan accordingly and follow the advisory of the administration and the Traffic Police to stay updated.”

Given the heavy to very heavy snowfall over a few middle and higher reaches, the authorities advised the people living in hilly areas not to venture into avalanche-prone areas and areas with slopes.

It also urged farmers to withhold irrigation and other farm activities during the first week of March.

“This system is most likely to cause heavy to very heavy rain and snow over Pir Panjal range and middle and higher reaches of Kashmir division in Anantnag, Pahalgam, Kulgam, Sinthan Pass, Shopian, Pir Ki Gali, Sonamarg, Zojila, Bandipora, Razdan Pass, Gulmarg, Kupwara, and Sadhna Pass),” the advisory read.

IMD FORECAST

According to the IMD forecast, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are expected to receive isolated heavy rainfall and snowfall (64.5-115.5 mm) on March 1 and heavy to very heavy rainfall and snowfall (115.5-204.4 mm) on March 2, 2024.

Widespread moderate rain and snow are expected over most places of J&K from February 29 evening till March 3 afternoon with peaks on March 2 and 3.

The plain areas of Kashmir division are also likely to receive moderate rain and snow while the plains region in Jammu may receive moderate rain with the possibility of heavy rain over Ramban, Udhampur, and Reasi during March 1 and 2 late at night.

The Meteorological Department (MeT) officials here said that Srinagar recorded a minimum of 2.1 degrees Celsius against the previous night’s 4.5 degrees Celsius.

It was below normal by 0.6 degrees Celsius for this time of the year.

Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 5.6 degrees Celsius, the same as the previous night.

The temperature was below normal by 0.2 degrees Celsius.

Qazigund recorded a minimum of minus 1 degree Celsius against 2 degrees Celsius the previous night and it was 1.4 degrees Celsius below normal.

Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 4.4 degrees Celsius against minus 2.4 degrees Celsius the previous night and it was 0.9 degrees Celsius below normal.

Kokernag recorded a minimum of minus 0.4 degrees Celsius against 1.1 degrees Celsius the previous night and the temperature was below normal by 1.7 degrees Celsius.

Kupwara town recorded a low of minus 1.7 degrees Celsius against 1 degree Celsius the previous night and it was 1.7 degrees Celsius below normal.

Jammu recorded a minimum of 9.5 degrees Celsius and it was below normal by 8.1 degrees Celsius.

Banihal recorded a low of 5.4 degrees Celsius, Batote 4.3 degrees Celsius, and Bhaderwah 1.4 degrees Celsius.