Abrar Nabi
Srinagar, Oct 14 : Fresh snowfall across Kashmir’s higher reaches and widespread rain in the plains brought down temperatures on Wednesday as an active western disturbance affected Jammu and Kashmir, with the Meteorological Department forecasting further precipitation, thunderstorms and gusty winds through Thursday.
Snowfall was reported from Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Gurez, Razdan Pass, Zojila and other mountainous areas, while Srinagar and several other parts of the Valley experienced rain, marking another spell of unsettled autumn weather.
The Meteorological Centre Srinagar said generally cloudy conditions would prevail across Jammu and Kashmir on October 14 and 15, with light to moderate rainfall at many places and light snowfall over higher reaches.
The department also warned of thunderstorms, gusty winds and isolated hailstorms, particularly during the late afternoon, night and early morning hours of October 15.
The fresh precipitation has brought colder conditions to the Valley, particularly in mountainous areas where snowfall has been reported at several locations since Tuesday.
Among the areas witnessing snowfall were Affarwat Peak in Gulmarg, the upper reaches of Sonamarg, the Zojila axis, Tulail in Gurez Valley and Razdan Pass in Bandipora district.
Snowfall was also reported from Sadhna Top, Sinthan Top and higher reaches near Harmukh Peak in Ganderbal district.
Rainfall in the plains, including Srinagar, was accompanied by a decline in daytime temperatures.
According to reported meteorological observations, Pahalgam recorded a maximum temperature of 14.2 degrees Celsius, about 5.4 degrees below normal, while Gulmarg recorded 11.8 degrees Celsius.
The weather department said the prevailing conditions could continue to affect higher mountain passes and important road links, where fresh snowfall may make travel difficult.
It advised travellers and transporters to remain cautious and follow traffic advisories before undertaking journeys through vulnerable mountain routes.
The advisory is particularly relevant for routes passing through high-altitude areas, including Zojila and other mountain passes, where snowfall and changing weather conditions can affect road movement.
The Meteorological Department also issued an advisory for farmers amid the ongoing apple harvesting and paddy collection season.
Farmers have been asked to ensure safe storage of harvested apples, paddy and other agricultural produce to minimise possible damage from rainfall, hailstorms and gusty winds.
The warning comes at a crucial time for Kashmir’s horticulture sector, when harvesting, grading, packing and transportation of apples are underway in several fruit-growing districts.
The department said the possibility of isolated hailstorms and strong winds during the current weather spell warranted precautions, particularly where harvested produce remains exposed.
According to the forecast, weather conditions are expected to improve from October 16, when generally dry weather is likely across Jammu and Kashmir, although brief spells of light rain cannot be ruled out at isolated places.
A longer period of mainly dry weather has been forecast from October 17 to 24, which could provide relief from the prevailing wet conditions and allow agricultural and outdoor activities to resume.
However, the Meteorological Centre has indicated another possible change in weather between October 25 and 27, with generally cloudy skies, light rain at scattered places and light snowfall over higher reaches.
Gusty winds may also occur at a few places during that period.
For now, the department has advised residents, farmers and travellers to remain alert to local weather developments through Thursday as the current disturbance continues to influence conditions across the Union Territory.(KNS)
Abrar Nabi
Srinagar, Oct 14 (KNS) : Higher reaches of Kashmir received fresh snowfall while rain continued across the plains, including Srinagar, overnight as an active Western Disturbance affected the region, officials said on Wednesday.
The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has forecast unsettled weather over Jammu and Kashmir for the next two days, with the possibility of rainfall, snowfall and thunderstorms at several places.
Officials said light to moderate snowfall was recorded in the higher reaches overnight, including the popular tourist destinations of Gulmarg and Sonamarg, as well as along the Zojila axis and Pahalgam.
Fresh snowfall has also been reported from the Tulail region of Gurez Valley and Razdan Pass in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, they said.
Travellers have been advised to exercise caution and check the latest road conditions before starting their journey.
Rainfall was reported from the plains, bringing a spell of wet weather to the Valley.
According to the weather forecast, light to moderate rain is likely at many places, while higher reaches may receive light snowfall between October 13 and 15. Thunderstorms and hailstorms are also possible at isolated locations during this period.
The weather is expected to improve from October 16, although a brief spell of light rain cannot be ruled out at isolated places. Generally dry conditions are likely to prevail from October 17 to October 24, according to the forecast.
In view of the expected weather conditions, farmers have been advised to ensure the safe storage of harvested apples, paddy and other crops during October 13–15 to minimise possible losses.
Travellers and transporters have also been advised to remain cautious while travelling through higher reaches and mountain routes, where snowfall and adverse weather could affect road conditions. People have been urged to follow official traffic advisories and take precautions during thunderstorms and gusty winds. (KNS)
