Zahid Wani
Srinagar, Nov 12: Jammu and Kashmir is likely to experience widespread rainfall and snowfall over the next 48 hours, with the Meteorological Department on Thursday warning of possible disruption to road connectivity in mountainous areas.
An active Western Disturbance is expected to affect the Union Territory on November 12 and 13, bringing light to moderate rainfall in the plains and moderate to heavy snowfall in higher reaches, particularly in north and central Kashmir.
Speaking to news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) Director Meteorological Centre Srinagar Mukhtar Ahmad said several mountainous areas were likely to receive significant snowfall under the influence of the weather system.
The higher reaches of Kupwara, Bandipora and Ganderbal districts are likely to witness moderate to heavy snowfall, while mountainous areas of south Kashmir, the Pir Panjal range and Chenab Valley may also receive fresh snow, according to the forecast as per director.
Popular tourist destinations, including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam and Doodhpathri, are also likely to experience snowfall.
In the Jammu region, Poonch and adjoining areas may receive moderate to heavy rainfall, while other parts are expected to witness light to moderate precipitation. Thunderstorms, hailstorms and gusty winds are also likely at isolated places.
Daytime temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir are expected to fall by 6 to 8 degrees Celsius following the weather activity.
The anticipated snowfall could affect traffic movement on several high-altitude roads and mountain passes, including Zojila, Razdan Pass, Sadhna Pass, Sinthan Top, Margan Top and Peer Ki Gali on the Mughal Road.
Travellers and transporters have been advised to check road conditions before undertaking journeys through higher reaches and follow advisories issued by the authorities.
Farmers have also been advised to take precautionary measures and ensure the safe storage of harvested crops to prevent possible damage from rainfall.
The fresh spell of snowfall is expected to benefit winter tourism in Kashmir, particularly at Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam and Doodhpathri, which attract visitors during the winter season.
Meanwhile, the MeT department has forecast an improvement in weather conditions from November 14, with generally dry weather expected on November 14 and 15. Mainly dry conditions are likely to prevail across Jammu and Kashmir from November 16 to 20, it said. (KNS)
