In Jammu & Kashmir, the weather conditions continue to remain intensely cold and cloudy, with IMD predicting an active Western Disturbance to affect the Union Territory till tomorrow morning.
Till now, there is no report of rain or snowfall from Srinagar and elsewhere in the Kashmir region. The same is likely to occur during the day as per the forecast. However, the night temperature continues to remain below freezing point across the region.
Under the influence of the Western Disturbance, moderate to heavy snowfall is expected until Monday morning across most parts of Jammu and Kashmir, with moderate rainfall predicted over the plains of Jammu during the same period. There is a likelihood that heavy to very heavy snowfall is also possible over the higher reaches of the Kashmir region. Significant snowfall is expected over the plains of Kashmir, including Srinagar City, during the same period.
The Meteorological Department Srinagar predicted heavy snow likely over the middle and higher reaches of Kashmir and the Chenab Valley until late Sunday or early Monday. It also predicted light to moderate rain over the plains of Jammu during the period.
MeT added the weather conditions are expected to improve by the afternoon of January 6. The weather is likely to remain generally cloudy with the possibility of dry weather from January 7 to 10, while light snow could occur in isolated to scattered places on January 11 and 12. The weather is expected to be generally dry from January 13 to 15.
The MeT has issued yellow and orange warnings for Sunday. An orange warning has been issued for areas including Bandipora, Kupwara, Ganderbal, Shopian, Kulgam, and Ramban, while a yellow alert has been issued for Baramulla, Kishtwar, and Doda.
For Monday, the MeT has issued a yellow warning for Anantnag, Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Kulgam, and Shopian. The MeT predicted temporary disruptions in surface transportation on Sunday. The early morning fog and cloudy weather may disrupt normal flight operations at Srinagar airport.
Subject to fair weather and better road conditions, light and heavy motor vehicles will be allowed from both sides on the Srinagar Jammu National Highway. Similarly, the one-way traffic will be allowed to move from Kargil to Srinagar. Mughal Road is closed for the 8th consecutive day.
Tourists, travellers, and transporters have been advised to check the status of the Srinagar Jammu National Highway and major roads from the traffic department before planning their travel. The administration, with active collaboration from the police, army, and Disaster Management Authority, has put in place action plans to tackle any kind of eventualities across the Kashmir, Pir Panjal, and Chenab Valley regions in the Jammu Division. The public and tourists have been advised to avoid unnecessary movement in vulnerable areas and follow advisory from the administration.
