Srinagar, Mar 28: The Meteorological Centre Srinagar on Saturday predicted a fresh spell of intermittent rain and snowfall across Jammu and Kashmir from March 28 to 30, issuing an advisory for farmers and travellers.
Director MET Centre Srinagar, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, said the weather is expected to remain generally cloudy towards evening, with intermittent light to moderate rain in the plains and snowfall over higher reaches at most places during this period.
He said thunder, lightning and gusty winds with speeds of 40 to 50 kmph are likely from the night of March 28 to the night of March 30.
Dr Mukhtar said that on March 31, the weather is likely to be generally cloudy, with brief spells of light rain or snow at scattered places. From April 1 to 2, conditions are expected to remain partly to generally cloudy, with brief light rain at isolated locations.
He added that between April 3 and 4, there are chances of light rain or snowfall at scattered places, while from April 5 to 7, partly cloudy conditions with isolated light rain or snow are likely.
The MET department has warned of moderate snowfall over higher reaches of north and central Kashmir, accompanied by thunder and gusty winds during the night of March 28 to 30. It also cautioned about the possibility of landslides at vulnerable locations.
In its advisory, the department has advised farmers to suspend farm operations on March 29 and 30. Travellers have been urged to follow traffic advisories and plan their movement accordingly.
Meanwhile, the District Administration Ganderbal issued a public advisory cautioning about a possible avalanche threat in the district during the next 24 hours.
As per the advisory, the Avalanche Forecast has indicated a medium intensity risk above 2400 metres, following which authorities have called for heightened alertness among the public.
The administration has advised people to refrain from visiting vulnerable locations such as higher reaches, snowbound slopes and hilly areas until the situation is reviewed. Residents, tourists and nomadic populations have been asked to strictly follow official instructions to avoid any untoward incidents.
In case of emergencies, people can reach out to the 24×7 District Emergency Control Room at Mini Secretariat Ganderbal on 0194-2416260, 0194-2416261 and 8493868773 for assistance.
Similarly, the District Administration Anantnag issued an advisory warning of potential avalanche risk in the district over the next 24 hours, urging people to remain alert and cautious.
As per the advisory, the Avalanche Forecast indicates a medium intensity risk above 1800 metres, following which authorities have directed people to avoid venturing into vulnerable areas, including snowbound slopes, hilly terrain and higher reaches, until further orders.
Residents, tourists and nomadic families have been asked to strictly follow official guidelines in the interest of safety.
The District Emergency Operations Centre (DEOC) Anantnag is functioning round the clock to handle emergencies. People can contact helpline numbers 01932-227122, 01932-225870, 9697982527, 7780885759 and 9906225209 for assistance.
