MeT forecasts 3-day wet spell from today

Srinagar, Jan 19: The Meteorological Department (MeT) has forecast three day wet weather starting Monday, with rainfall in the plains and snowfall in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir.

Officials said the Union Territory may experience varying intensities of precipitation during this period, with a significant impact expected in certain areas.

The plains largely experienced dry weather on Sunday, but light rain or snowfall is expected over the higher reaches, including mountainous areas during the night. On Monday and Tuesday, the MeT department has forecast light to moderate rain in the plains and widespread snowfall across many parts of J&K. Key areas, such as the higher reaches of the Chenab Valley and the Pir Panjal Range, are likely to receive light to moderate snowfall.

Additionally, another spell of light to moderate rainfall in the plains and snow in the higher reaches is expected to continue through January 23.

The wet weather may disrupt normal life in certain areas, particularly in the areas prone to road closures due to snowfall. Authorities have been advised to monitor weather conditions closely and take preventive measures.

The night temperatures across the Kashmir Valley showed a slight improvement at most weather stations, although they remained below freezing.

Srinagar, the summer capital recorded a minimum temperature of -1°C on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, which was 1°C above the normal for this time of year.

Gulmarg, the ski resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district remained the coldest place in the valley with a low of -7.8°C. This marked an improvement from the previous night’s -8.2°C and was still 2.4°C above normal.

Pahalgam recorded a low of -3°C, improving from the previous night’s -3.4°C. This temperature was 3.3°C above the normal for this tourist destination.

Kupwara, the frontier district of Kupwara experienced a dip in temperatures, recording -2.6°C compared to -1.3°C the previous night. Despite the drop, this was 0.3°C above normal for the season.

Kokernag in south Kashmir spot registered a minimum temperature of -3.4°C, slightly colder than the previous night’s -2.8°C. It was 0.1°C above the normal temperature for this time of year.

Qazigund, located on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway, Qazigund recorded a low of -2.8°C, improving slightly from -2.5°C the previous night. This temperature was 0.3°C above normal for the gateway to Kashmir.

The wet weather is expected to bring challenges, particularly in the form of road closures and travel disruptions in snow-prone areas. The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, the only all-weather road linking Kashmir with the rest of the country, may face disruptions due to landslides triggered by rainfall or snow accumulation.

The authorities have urged travelers to stay updated on weather conditions and take precautions while venturing into higher altitudes. Farmers have also been advised to take measures to protect crops and livestock from adverse weather.