Srinagar, Mar 19: Jammu and Kashmir continued to reel under intense cold conditions on Thursday as an active Western Disturbance lashed most parts of the Union Territory with light to moderate rain and snowfall, forcing the mercury to plunge several degrees below normal.
The Meteorological Department has forecast an extension of the wet spell till March 20, with a strong possibility of heavy snowfall and gusty winds at isolated places, particularly in the higher reaches.
A MeT official told Kahsmir Convener that the prevailing weather system is likely to intensify from Wednesday night, bringing widespread precipitation across the Valley and the Chenab region. “The main activity will continue through Thursday, with moderate to heavy snowfall expected in the higher reaches of south Kashmir and Chenab Valley,” he said.
Srinagar city recorded a maximum temperature of 9.5 degrees Celsius — nearly 6.5 degrees below normal for this time of the season. Qazigund and Kupwara settled at 9.4 degrees Celsius each, while the tourist resorts of Pahalgam and Gulmarg recorded maximums of 7.0 and 2.5 degrees Celsius respectively.
In the Jammu division, the winter capital Jammu registered a maximum of 20.2 degrees Celsius, over seven degrees below normal, while Banihal, Batote and Bhaderwah also witnessed below-normal temperatures.
Rainfall was widespread, with Baramulla receiving 29.5 mm, Poonch 29 mm and Batote 25.5 mm. Gulmarg recorded about 23 cm of fresh snow, while Pahalgam received over 20 mm of precipitation. Fresh snowfall of 5-6 inches was also reported in the skiing resort since Tuesday evening.
The MeT has issued an advisory cautioning travellers and transporters to plan their movements carefully, especially through high mountain passes, in view of slippery road conditions and reduced visibility. Thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds of 40 to 50 kmph and hailstorms are also likely at isolated places, particularly in the Jammu region.
“Weather conditions are expected to improve from March 21, with generally dry weather till March 25, barring a brief spell of light rain or snow around March 23 at isolated places,” the official added.
Farmers have been advised to resume agricultural operations only after March 21, subject to local weather conditions.
Another Western Disturbance is likely to affect the region between March 29 and 31, officials said.
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