Cold wave tightens, Zojila reopens
Srinagar, Jan 17: The Meteorological Centre Srinagar on Friday forecast a prolonged wet spell across Jammu and Kashmir over the coming days, even as cold conditions intensified across the Valley and traffic on the strategic Zojila Pass was restored after fresh snowfall.
The MeT Centre said weather on January 17 and 18 is expected to remain partly to generally cloudy, with light snowfall at isolated higher reaches. On January 19 and 20, generally cloudy conditions are likely, with light to moderate rain or snowfall at scattered to fairly widespread places.
Weather is expected to remain partly to generally cloudy on January 21, with light snow over isolated higher reaches. From the evening of January 22, another active western disturbance is likely to affect the region, bringing light to moderate rain or snowfall at most places till January 25.
The MeT has warned of the possibility of heavy rain or snowfall over a few districts of the Chenab Valley, Pir Panjal range and parts of south Kashmir during January 23 and 24. Light rain or snowfall is expected at scattered places on January 26.
An advisory has been issued warning of possible heavy precipitation, gusty winds at a few places and landslides at vulnerable locations. Travellers have been advised to plan journeys carefully during January 23 and 24 and strictly follow traffic and administrative advisories, while farmers have been asked to suspend farm operations during the period.
Meanwhile, cold conditions tightened further across Kashmir as minimum temperatures dipped at several places. Srinagar recorded a low of minus 3.2 degrees Celsius, down from minus 1.5 degrees Celsius the previous night.
Shopian in south Kashmir was the coldest place, with the mercury plunging to minus 5.6 degrees Celsius. Pahalgam recorded a minimum of minus 2.6 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg saw its minimum drop to minus 4.2 degrees Celsius from minus 2.3 degrees Celsius.
Sonamarg recorded a low of minus 2.9 degrees Celsius, Qazigund minus 3.4 degrees Celsius, while Kokernag and Kupwara registered minus 2 degrees Celsius and minus 2.2 degrees Celsius, respectively.
The Valley is currently under Chilla-i-Kalan, the harshest 40-day winter period, which began on December 21 and will conclude on January 30.
Traffic movement on the Srinagar–Leh National Highway was restored on Saturday after the Zojila Pass remained closed for two days due to fresh snowfall.
Officials said the Border Roads Organisation launched snow clearance operations early Saturday, deploying heavy machinery to remove 8 to 10 inches of accumulated snow. The highway had been closed as a precautionary measure to ensure commuter safety, and traffic was restored from the Kargil side after clearance.
Authorities have advised motorists to exercise caution while travelling through the stretch in view of prevailing winter conditions. According to a traffic police advisory, vehicular movement from the Sonamarg side towards Kargil will be permitted on Sunday after clearance from the BRO. (KINS)
