Srinagar, Mar 10: Overnight rainfall in the plains and fresh snowfall in the higher reaches brought a decisive end to a prolonged dry spell in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, offering significant relief to farmers and improving the water table across the Valley.
A senior official at Meteorological Centre Srinagar told Kashmir Convener that a fresh Western Disturbance active over the Kahsmir valley resulted in widespread precipitation. “Light to moderate rainfall was recorded in most plain areas, including Srinagar, while the higher reaches received moderate to heavy snowfall,” an official said.
According to the MeT department, the Valley will continue to experience generally cloudy weather with light to moderate rain and snow at many places on March 10 and 11.
A few higher reaches of Kupwara, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Anantnag, and the neighbouring Kishtwar district are likely to receive moderate snowfall during this period he said.
The higher reaches, including the Sonamarg-Zojila axis, Sinthan Top, Sadhna Top, Peer Ki Gali, and Razdan Top, received fresh snowfall during the night and early morning hours. Reports from Ladakh indicated that several parts of Kargil district, including the Zanskar valley and areas along the Zojila pass, also received light to moderate snowfall, while the town witnessed rainfall he added.
The MeT department has forecast a brief dry spell from March 12 to 14, followed by the possibility of another round of light rain or snowfall in higher reaches at scattered places from March 15 onwards.
Residents and farmers across the Valley have welcomed the precipitation, which is expected to boost Rabi crops and help recharge natural water springs after an unusually dry winter. Authorities have advised the public to remain cautious as temporary traffic disruptions are likely over high mountain passes in the coming days the official further added.
In view of the fresh accumulation of snow, the traffic department suspended vehicular movement on the Bandipora–Gurez road the official said.
An official stated that the road was closed as a precautionary measure after snowfall made the high-altitude Razdan Top, which stands at an elevation of over 11,000 feet, slippery and unsafe.
“Movement on the Bandipora–Gurez road has been suspended till further orders. It will be reopened after weather conditions improve and snow clearance operations are completed,” the official added.
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA) issued an avalanche warning for isolated areas. “Avalanche with low danger level is likely to occur above 2,500 metres in Bandipora district in the next 24 hours,” the JKDMA said in an advisory, urging people living in vulnerable areas to stay alert and avoid venturing into avalanche-prone slopes.
Comments are closed.