The Meteorological Department (MeT) on Sunday has predicted an improvement in the prevailing weather conditions in Kashmir valley from this afternoon.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director MeT, the region is likely to experience mainly dry and clear weather from December 29 to December 31.
During this period, the weather is expected to remain generally dry. However, two Western Disturbances (WDs) are likely to impact Jammu and Kashmir and adjoining areas from January 1 onwards.
He said the first, a feeble disturbance, is forecasted to bring generally cloudy skies and light snow at scattered places on the evening of January 1 through the morning of January 2.
“The second disturbance, expected from January 3 to January 6, is projected to be moderate, with light to moderate snowfall likely at many locations in Kashmir Division and scattered places in Jammu Division. Higher reaches may witness moderate to heavy snowfall during this period,” he said.
The MeT Director said that cold wave is anticipated in isolated areas on December 30 and 31.
“Tourists, travelers, and transporters are advised to exercise caution due to subfreezing temperatures, icy road conditions, and possible disruptions in both plains and higher reaches. Authorities recommend following administrative and traffic advisories during this period,” he said
Meanwhile owning to cloudy weather conditions, Srinagar recorded a low of -0.2°C, Qazigund -0.4°C, Pahalgam -8.0°C, Kupwara -1.0°C, Kokernag -1.8°C, Gulmarg -8.5°C, Sonamarg -10.8°C, Zojila -26.0°C, Bandipora -0.2°C, Baramulla -0.3°C, Budgam -0.2°C, Ganderbal -1.6°C, Pulwama 0.2°C, Anantnag 0.1°C, Khudwani 0.1°C, Kulgam -2.1°C, Shopian -2.3°C, and Larnoo -4.0°C.
Jammu recorded 6.1°C, Banihal 0.8°C, Batote -2.0°C, Katra 5.0°C, Bhaderwah -5.0°C, Kishtwar -1.4°C, Padder -7.9°C, Ramban 4.0°C, Poonch 1.5°C, Rajouri 0.4°C, Samba 3.9°C, Kathua 7.2°C, Reasi 5.2°C, and Udhampur 3.6°C.
In UT of Ladakh, Leh recorded -11.6°C, Kargil -10.2°C, and Drass -20.7°C.
MeT also issued advisory for passenger traffic plying on Jammu-Srinagar NHW.
It said that commuters are advised to follow lane discipline, overtaking will cause congestion, drive with caution as the road is slippery between Banihal and Qazigund.
However, Mughal Road/Sinthan road/Sonamarg-Kargil road/ Bhaderwah-Chamba Road are still closed due to snow accumulation.
