Kashmir braces for major snow, rain spell

Srinagar, Feb 17: Kashmir is gearing up for a significant spell of snowfall while the night temperatures rose above sub-zero levels, the Meteorological Department officials said on Saturday.

The weatherman has forecast an “extended wet spell” in J&K from Saturday night onwards till February 21 afternoon.

“A couple of moderate to intense Western Disturbances are most likely to affect J&K and adjoining areas from February 17 afternoon onwards,” the MeT officials said.

Under the influence of the weather systems, he said, an “extended wet spell” is likely from February 17 night onwards till February 21 afternoon most likely over J&K and adjoining areas.

The weatherman also issued a yellow alert for isolated heavy rain and snow over higher reaches and disruption of traffic on the higher passes from February 18 to February 20.

There are four types of colour codes signifying the level of caution: green means no action, yellow means situation to be watched, orange means government agencies need to be prepared for severe weather, and red means action is needed by the agencies.

This year, J&K experienced an extended dry spell, with only two spells of light to moderate snowfall observed between January 28 and February 3.

The upcoming wet weather forecast is likely to be more intense compared to the previous spells.

The MeT officials said that the weather would remain partly cloudy until February 17 afternoon, following which weather activity is expected to set in, bringing light snowfall in the upper areas towards late night.

They said that the middle and upper reaches across different parts of Kashmir are likely to witness heavy to very heavy snowfall on February 18, particularly in isolated higher reaches of the north, northwestern, central, and south Kashmir.

From February 19 to February 20, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain and snow in most places, including plains and lower reaches.

Heavy to very heavy snowfall is expected over the middle and higher reaches of Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Budgam, and districts of south Kashmir during this period.

On February 21, intermittent light to moderate snow is expected at many places till afternoon or late afternoon, followed by gradual improvement thereafter.

In Jammu, there is a possibility of intermittent light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning in the plains, along with light to moderate snowfall over higher reaches, including heavy snowfall over isolated higher reaches of Ramban, Poonch, Doda, and Kishtwar from February 18 to February 21.

The wet weather conditions are likely to lead to the temporary closure of roads of higher reaches and important passes like Sinthan Pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna Pass, Razdan Pass, and Zojila.

Travellers have been advised to plan accordingly while farmers have been advised to withhold irrigation and fertiliser application and drain excess water from orchards during the specified period.

Moreover, the weather system is likely to bring a significant drop in day temperatures during the five days of the wet spell.

In anticipation of heavy snowfall, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri instructed all Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to ensure preparedness with adequate manpower, resources, and machinery to address any situation and challenges that might arise.

Meanwhile, night temperatures rose at most places with Srinagar recording a minimum of 3 degrees Celsius.

The MeT reported that the minimum temperature was 0.7 degrees Celsius in Pahalgam and minus 1.2 degrees Celsius in Gulmarg.

The Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA) said avalanche with low danger level is likely to occur above 2200 metres over the districts of Bandipora, Baramulla, Kupwara and Ganderbal in Kashmir and Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, and Ramban in Jammu region in the next 24 hours.

“People living in these areas have been advised to take precautions and avoid venturing out into avalanche-prone areas,” the Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA) said.

It said that people in need of any help should dial 112.