Heavy to very heavy rain/snow prediction in Kashmir, check latest weather update

Amid forecasts of significant snowfall, Kashmir Valley experienced a drop in night temperatures on Thursday. The Meteorological Department reported that Srinagar recorded a minimum of 2.1°C, down from the previous night’s 4.5°C. This was below normal by 0.6°C for this time of year in the summer capital of J&K. Qazigund, a gateway town of Kashmir, saw a minimum of minus 1.0°C compared to 2.0°C on the previous night, registering a deviation of 1.4°C below normal.

Pahalgam, a renowned resort in south Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 4.4°C, whereas Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, registered a minimum of minus 0.4°C. Kupwara town recorded a low of minus 1.7°C, indicating a drop of 1.7°C below normal. Gulmarg, the famous skiing resort in north Kashmir, maintained a low of minus 5.6°C, slightly below normal by 0.2°C.

Jammu, the winter capital, experienced a minimum of 9.5°C, significantly below normal by 8.1°C. Other areas like Banihal recorded a low of 5.4°C, Batote 4.3°C, and Bhaderwah 1.4°C.

The Meteorological Department issued an advisory cautioning about potential disruptions in surface and air transport in the valley. An active Western disturbance was expected to affect J&K and adjoining areas from that evening onwards. Widespread moderate rain/snow was anticipated from February 29th night/early morning of March 1 till the afternoon of March 3, with peak activity on March 2.

The advisory highlighted the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rain/snow over specific regions, potentially leading to disruptions in surface and air transport, including the Jammu-Srinagar highway and other major roads. It urged people in snowbound areas to avoid venturing into risky, avalanche-prone areas. Additionally, there were warnings about landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones in vulnerable areas.

While the 40-day harsh winter period known as ‘Chillai-Kalan’ ended on January 29 and the 20-day-long winter period called ‘Chillai-Khurd’ ended on February 19, Kashmir was in the middle of the 10-day-long period called ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold), which culminates on March 1.