Fresh snowfall in higher reaches
Srinagar: Higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir received fresh snowfall during the last 24 hours, while the Meteorological Centre (MeT) Srinagar has forecast mostly dry weather ahead, with no major Western Disturbance expected to affect the region till January 20.
An official of the MeT department said light to moderate snowfall was recorded across several high-altitude areas. Sadhna Pass received around six inches of snow, while Gurez and Tulail witnessed heavier snowfall ranging between eight to twelve inches. The Sonamarg–Zojila stretch recorded five to eight inches, and Gulmarg received about two inches of snowfall.
Other mountain passes also saw snowfall, with Mughal Road and Sinthan Top receiving around two to four inches, while higher areas of Pahalgam recorded nearly two inches. Meanwhile, several parts of the Jammu division experienced light rainfall.
Sharing the forecast, the MeT official said January 1 is likely to remain generally cloudy, with chances of light rain or snowfall at a few places, mainly over higher reaches of both Kashmir and Jammu divisions. From January 2 to January 5, the weather is expected to remain generally dry across the region.
January 6 may witness cloudy conditions with the possibility of light snowfall at isolated places in North and Central Kashmir, followed by partly cloudy weather from January 7 to January 15. “No major Western Disturbance is likely to affect the region till January 20, except for a few weak systems,” the official said.
Meteorological assessments further indicate that any Western Disturbances during the next two to three weeks are expected to remain weak and feeble, and are unlikely to bring widespread or significant precipitation. Officials said the prevailing dry and cold conditions are likely to continue, with night temperatures remaining low, particularly in higher reaches, while daytime temperatures may stay below normal in several areas.
The MeT department advised travellers and transporters to follow traffic and administrative advisories, especially in snowbound areas. It also warned that moderate fog is likely over the plains of the Jammu division, with dense fog at isolated places during the next three days, which may affect visibility and road travel.
People have been urged to remain cautious and keep track of official weather and traffic updates. (KINS/KNT)
