The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar has issued a weather forecast for Jammu and Kashmir, predicting generally dry conditions with intermittent chances of thundershowers at isolated locations.

From May 28 to 29, generally dry weather is expected, though thundershowers may occur in isolated areas. On May 30 and 31, the region will experience partly to generally cloudy conditions with light rain or thunderstorms at isolated places. This pattern will continue from June 1 to 2.

A return to generally dry weather is forecast for June 3 to 5, followed by generally cloudy conditions with light rain or thunderstorms at isolated places from June 6 to 7.

The heatwave and hot, dry weather will persist over the plains of the Jammu Division for the next seven days. However, slight relief from the heatwave is expected from May 30 to June 2 in most parts of the Kashmir Division and some hilly areas of the Jammu Division.

It is in place to mention here that another spell of the heatwave is anticipated from June 3 to 5.

Residents are advised to avoid heat exposure between noon and 3 pm and to drink plenty of fluids, particularly vulnerable individuals such as the elderly, infants, and children.

SRINAGAR — With a likely respite from rains till May 5, precipitation of light intensity has been forecasted by the Meteorological Centre Srinagar at scattered places of J&K from May 6 to 7.

As per the news agency CNS, an official from the MeT Centre Srinagar in the latest weather update stated that mainly dry weather would be experienced from May 1 to 5 besides afternoon showers and the occurrence of hail at a few places during the given period.

However, the MeT has also expected light rainfall and thunder at scattered places on 6 and 7 of the next month.

According to the data compiled by the MeT Centre Srinagar, Srinagar received 23.6 mm rainfall during the last 24 hours till 8:30 am today, with Qazigund, Pahalgam, Kupwara, Kokernag, Gulmarg, Konibal, Muzaffarabad and Leh receiving 40.2mm, 41.6mm, 19.8mm, 35.8mm, 21.0mm, 34.0mm, 9.0mm and 0.1mm, respectively.

After anticipating dry weather in J&K from tomorrow, the MeT has advised farmers to resume farm operations from May 1 (Wednesday).

SRINAGAR — After a stretch of pleasant weather and abundant sunshine, the Meteorological Centre in Srinagar has issued a forecast indicating an impending wet spell for Jammu and Kashmir on the 27th and 28th of this month.

According to the reports received here, the Meteorological Centre in Srinagar has provided a detailed day-wise weather outlook for the Union Territory. It anticipates light to moderate rain or snowfall on Wednesday and Thursday.

Furthermore, the skies are expected to remain overcast on March 29th, with the likelihood of rain or snow at "isolated places".

In the lead-up to this anticipated wet weather pattern, minimum temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir experienced a rise last night, with only a few exceptions noted in certain areas.

As residents brace themselves for the forthcoming precipitation, authorities advise vigilance and preparedness to mitigate any potential adverse effects caused by the changing weather conditions.

SRINAGAR — As the day temperature has gone up in J&K parts, the weatherman here has predicted a two-day wet spell in Jammu and Kashmir from tomorrow (March 21), saying that light to moderate rains and snow is expected at many places.

According to the news agency KNO, a fresh Western Disturbance (WD) is affecting Jammu and Kashmir tomorrow and under its influence, light to moderate rain and snow is expected to commence in parts of Kashmir from tomorrow afternoon onwards.

Director Meteorological Department (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that the weather would remain generally cloudy; there is a possibility of light to moderate rains, snow at many places with thunder, lightning and gusty winds over plans of Kashmir and Jammu division.

An independent weather forecaster, Faizan Arif Keng also stated that by evening tomorrow, most parts in Kashmir Valley would have received a spell of rain and snow.

"Rain and snow activities can continue in some areas on March 22," he said, adding that the least impact of WD is expected in Jammu, Samba, and Kathua districts.

There is a possibility of hailstorms and gusty winds in some areas during this period, he added.

However, the MeT Director stated that the weather would remain generally dry on March 23 while on March 24, the weather is expected to remain generally cloudy with light rain and snow at isolated places.

While the weather is expected to remain dry during March 25 and 26, the weather would remain generally cloudy with the possibility of light rain and snow at a few places on March 27 to March 29.

SRINAGAR — The Jammu & Kashmir Meteorological Department forecasts no significant weather activity until March 10, but residents should prepare for potential light rain or snow in the coming days.

According to the latest update released on March 9, the department predicts a chance of light rain or snow at a few locations on March 11 and 12. By March 13, this possibility extends to widespread areas, with the likelihood of light to moderate precipitation. March 14 may see light rain or snow in select spots.

Looking further ahead, from March 15 to 18, the region anticipates generally dry weather conditions.

However, amidst these forecasts, authorities issue advisories to the public, particularly those residing in hilly areas. Officials caution against venturing into avalanche-prone or sloped regions and urge adherence to avalanche warnings and advisories.

Additionally, farmers are advised to resume farm operations in light of the upcoming weather patterns.

SRINAGAR — In the past 24 hours, Jammu and Kashmir has been lashed by unrelenting rain, snow, strong winds, and hailstorms, posing challenges for residents and authorities alike. As the region grapples with these adverse weather conditions, the meteorological department predicts a temporary respite until March 10, followed by the likelihood of renewed precipitation from March 12 to March 14.

According to an official from the meteorological department, moderate to heavy rain and snowfall have been recorded across various parts of the region over the past day. Maximum wind speeds were observed in several districts, including Kupwara, Bandipora, and Srinagar. Additionally, hailstorms were reported in Banihal, Batote, Baderwah, and Jammu during this period.

Looking ahead, the official forecasts partly to generally cloudy weather today, with intermittent light rain or snow expected in scattered places later in the afternoon. However, there is no significant weather activity anticipated until March 10, apart from the possibility of light rain or snow at scattered locations on the night of March 6 to March 7.

Nevertheless, the forecast warns of a return to active weather patterns from March 12 to March 14, with fresh spells of rain and snow anticipated during this period.

Given the risk of heavy snowfall in certain areas, travellers and tourists are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and heed advisories from local authorities and traffic police. Additionally, residents in hilly regions are cautioned against venturing into avalanche-prone or steep areas, and farmers are advised to take measures to drain excess water from fields and orchards.

Authorities also highlight the potential for landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones at various locations, urging vigilance and adherence to safety protocols.

SRINAGAR — Around 300 houses were damaged partially or completely during the gusty winds accompanied by heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday while several higher reaches including the famous ski resort, Gulmarg, Sonamarg and other places continued to receive fresh snowfall for the second straight day.

The top officials in Ramban, Kulgam and Anantnag districts informed the news agency KNO that as many as 300 houses were damaged in the gusty winds accompanied by the heavy rainfall today.

Deputy Commissioner, Ramban, Baseer-ul-Haq said that 100 houses were damaged due to windstorms and heavy rainfall in Ramban Gool and Banihal areas.

The officials in Kulgam district also stated that 119 houses were damaged in four Tehsils of the districts including 95 in Tehsil DH Pora, six in Devsar, and nine each in Kulgam and Pahaloo Tehsils.

In the Verinag area, 42 structures were damaged due to gusty winds while 47 were damaged in Dooru Tehsil and around 15 in Qazigund Tehsil.

Deputy Commissioner, Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan, when contacted, said that the affected families have been shifted to safer places and measures like relief have been disbursed among them. “The field functionaries are on the job to assess the complete damage,” he said.

Moreover, the three-day wet spell predicted by the local Meteorological department here has brought more snowfall at several places in Kashmir, which include Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Sinthan Top, Sadhna Pass, Doodhpathri and others.

However, moderate rainfall continued to lash the plains including the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, Srinagar.

Director of Meteorological Department (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that there is a possibility of gradual improvement in prevalent weather conditions from late tonight. “There is no forecast of any significant weather activity thereafter till March 10 with the possibility of light rain, snow at scattered places during the night of March 6 to March 7,” he said.

This evening, the MeT has stated that moderate rain with intense showers accompanied by gusty winds is expected over Srinagar, Ganderbal, Baramulla, Pulwama, Anantnag and Kulgam during the next 2-3 hours from now.

It also stated that moderate rain with intense showers accompanied by gusty winds, thunderstorms, lightning, and hailstorms are expected over Jammu, RS Pura, Nagrota, Reasi, Samba, Akhnoor and parts of Udhampur district during the next 2-3 hours.

It is pertinent to mention here that both the forecasts were issued by the MeT at 07:30 PM.

Given heavy to very heavy snowfall over a few middle and higher reaches, travellers and tourists are advised to plan accordingly and follow administration as well as traffic police advisory, the MeT said.

“General public over hilly areas are advised not to venture in avalanche prone areas & slopy areas. Follow avalanche warnings & advisories,” it said, adding that there are chances of landslides, mudslides and shooting stones at a few places.

Farmers are advised to suspend farm operations till March 3, the advisory reads.

Moreover, all the major roads including the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, Bandipora-Gurez Road, Srinagar-Leh Highway and others are closed for vehicular movement due to precautionary measures.

SRINAGAR — The meteorological department has predicted moderate rains and snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir starting from March 1.

An official from the meteorological department quoted by a local news agency said that between February 26 and 27, there is a possibility of light rain and snow at scattered places from tonight until the morning of February 27.

According to the official, February 28 may see partly cloudy conditions with light snow in isolated higher reaches, while February 29 is expected to be generally cloudy with a chance of light rain and snow at scattered places.

The official further stated that from March 1 to March 3, moderate rain and snow are expected in most areas, with heavy to very heavy precipitation in a few middle and higher reaches from late evening on March 1 to the afternoon of March 3. Additionally, thunderstorms, lightning, hailstorms, and gusty winds are anticipated in some places on March 1 and 2.

Authorities have issued advisories urging travellers and tourists to plan their journeys accordingly and to adhere to advisory instructions from local administrations and traffic police. Residents in hilly areas are advised against venturing into avalanche-prone and sloped areas, and they are encouraged to follow avalanche warnings and advisories closely.

Officials have also warned of potential landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones at various locations. Farmers have been advised to suspend irrigation and other farming operations during the first week of March due to the expected weather conditions.

SRINAGAR — Following recent rains and snowfall, residents can expect a period of tranquillity until February 26, as calm weather prevails across the region. However, the Meteorological Department has issued a forecast indicating the onset of another wet spell starting from February 27.

According to an official from the Meteorological Department, widespread light to moderate rain and snow occurred in various areas over the past 24 hours, with heavy precipitation reported in a few places. While the possibility of intermittent light rain or snow at isolated places persists, significant weather activity is not expected until February 26.

Looking ahead, from February 27 to 29, forecasts indicate the likelihood of light to moderate rain and snow at scattered to fairly widespread places, prompting caution among travellers and residents alike.

In light of heavy to very heavy snowfall experienced in certain middle and higher reaches over the past two days, authorities have advised travellers and tourists to adhere to advisory notices issued by the administration and traffic police. Additionally, residents in hilly areas are urged to avoid venturing into avalanche-prone and slopy areas, adhering to avalanche warnings and advisories.

Moreover, the Meteorological Department warns of the potential for landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones at various locations, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and preparedness during adverse weather conditions.

SRINAGAR — The scenic landscape of Kashmir is blanketed in fresh snowfall while the plains, including Srinagar city, are drenched in rain, as per the latest observations from the Meteorological Department. The forecast suggests that the inclement weather is expected to persist until February 21, followed by a period of relative calm until February 27.

A spokesperson from the Meteorological Department informed that in the Kashmir division, light to moderate rain and snowfall are anticipated in most places, including plains and lower reaches. Moreover, heavy to very heavy snowfall is expected over the middle and higher reaches of districts such as Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Budgam, and southern Kashmir until tomorrow.

On February 21, intermittent light to moderate snowfall is predicted in many areas until afternoon or late afternoon, with gradual improvement thereafter. However, the forecast indicates no significant weather activity until February 27.

In the Jammu division, intermittent light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning is expected in the plains, while light to moderate snowfall is forecasted over higher reaches, including isolated heavy snowfall in Ramban, Poonch, Doda, and Kishtwar until tomorrow.

Similarly, on February 21, intermittent light to moderate snowfall or rain is anticipated in many places until late afternoon or evening, followed by gradual improvement. Again, there is no significant weather activity expected until February 27.

Authorities caution that this weather system may lead to temporary road closures in higher reaches and key passes such as Sinthan Pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna Pass, Razdan Pass, and Zojila. Travellers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly.

Additionally, farmers are urged to suspend irrigation and fertilizer application while draining excess water from orchards and fields during this period. A significant drop in daytime temperatures is anticipated, according to the spokesperson.

SRINAGAR — Amid the rising day temperature, Jammu and Kashmir would likely experience a fresh wet spell as the weatherman here has forecasted light to moderate snowfall from February 17 to 20.

In the meantime, the government has also started readying arrangements to avert disruption of utilities due to snow.

Director Meteorological Department (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad told the news agency KNO that there is a possibility of heavy to very heavy snowfall over the middle and higher reaches of Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Budgam and South Kashmir districts from February 19-20.

In Kashmir, Ahmad said on February 17, weather conditions are expected to remain partly to generally cloudy with the possibility of light snow at isolated higher reaches towards late night.

On February 18, he said, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain and snow at most places with heavy snowfall over isolated higher reaches of North, Northwestern, Central and South Kashmir.

On February 19-20, Ahmad said, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain and snow at most places of plains & lower reaches while the middle and higher reaches of Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Budgam and South Kashmir districts would experience heavy to very heavy snowfall.

On February 21, he said, there is a possibility of intermittent light to moderate snowfall at many places till afternoon, late afternoon and gradual improvement thereafter.

In Jammu region, he said, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain and snow over higher reaches with thunder and lightning at many places on February 18.

On February 19 and 20, Director MeT said that there is a possibility of intermittent light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning in the plains of Jammu with light to moderate snowfall over higher reaches with heavy snowfall over isolated higher reaches of Ramban, Poonch, Doda and Kishtwar.

“Intermittent light to moderate snow and rain is expected over many places till late afternoon, evening and gradual improvement thereafter on February 21,” he said.

The weatherman has, however, issued an advisory, saying that the system may lead to the temporary closure of roads of higher reaches and important passes like Sinthan Pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna & Razdan Pass, Zojila and others. He advised the travellers to plan accordingly.

Moreover, the Director MeT advised the farmers to withhold irrigation and fertilizer application & drain out excess water from orchards and fields during the above period. A significant drop in day temperature during the above period is expected, he said.

Meanwhile, the Mechanical Engineering Department (MED) Kashmir has urged people not to park their vehicles on the roadside.

Kaplesh Pandita, a senior officer at MED Kashmir, told KNO that the department is all geared up and has made all arrangements to ensure smooth snow clearance from the roads.

“A mock drill has already been done, all men and machinery are ready. We urge people not to park their vehicles on the roadsides during the snowfall,” he said.

Another senior official looking into the functioning of the provincial control room said that they have activated 22 control and sub-control rooms across the valley and that all men and machinery are on standby mode.

“There are around 300 machines available with the mechanical and hospital engineering department and they are already stationed in all districts,” officials said.

He said that in district Srinagar alone, they have stationed over 40 machines to address any issues arising from the forecast weather conditions.

The official also said that in order to ensure no or least damage chances to the roads during snow clearance, they have procured high-tech snow clearance machines with plastic cartilage snow blades.

Moreover, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri convened a meeting of Deputy Commissioners & Head of Civil Departments wherein he directed all the departments to keep men, materials and machinery ready to tackle any exigency that may emerge from the expected snowfall.

He also directed officers to mobilize their field staff for effective & timely response to any emergency.

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir encountered an unprecedentedly dry and warm January, marking the driest and warmest month in 43 years, as revealed by data from the Meteorological Centre Srinagar.

In Srinagar city, a mere 3.0 mm of precipitation was recorded, rendering it the second driest January in four decades, a stark contrast to the lowest measurement of 1.2 mm in January 2018.

The mean maximum temperature in Srinagar stood at 11.9 degrees Celsius, while figures for Gulmarg and Banihal were recorded at 5.7 degrees Celsius and 16.9 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Jammu City, too, bore witness to historically low mean maximum temperatures, an occurrence unseen in over 40 years.

The Meteorological Department characterized January 2024 as exceptionally dry and warm, with Jammu station registering a mean maximum temperature of 13.4 degrees Celsius, a low not seen since 1983.

Meanwhile, mean minimum temperatures for January were documented at -3.2 degrees Celsius, 5.5 degrees Celsius, -3.9 degrees Celsius, and 0.1 degrees Celsius for Srinagar, Jammu, Gulmarg, and Banihal, respectively.

Of particular note, Gulmarg experienced one of its warmest mean minimum temperatures in 43 years, according to the provided data.

SRINAGAR — The Meteorological Department has issued a forecast indicating potential weather changes in Jammu and Kashmir, with light snow and rain expected from February 18 to 20.

According to officials, the region is anticipated to experience dry weather until February 14, with occasional clouds expected towards the evening of February 14.

The overall weather outlook suggests dry conditions continuing until February 17, with the possibility of cloudy skies in the evenings leading up to February 14. However, from February 18 to 20, light snow and rain are predicted.

In light of the forecast and the accumulation of significant snow in various hilly areas accompanied by sub-freezing temperatures, authorities are advising travellers to adhere to advisories issued by the administration and Traffic Police.

SRINAGAR — Following a two-day wet spell, the meteorological department in Jammu and Kashmir announced on Monday a forecast of dry weather prevailing until February 14.

An official from the Meteorological Department said that over the past 24 hours, most areas in Jammu and Kashmir experienced light to moderate snow and rain.

The official outlined today's weather as partly to generally cloudy with a slight possibility of very light snow over isolated higher reaches. Looking ahead, from February 6th to February 14th, the forecast indicates generally dry conditions for the region.

Considering the significant snow accumulation in recent days, the official advised residents to adhere to advisories issued by the administration and traffic police.

In terms of minimum temperatures, the report from MeT indicated that Srinagar recorded a low of minus 0.4°C, Qazigund reached minus 1.4°C, Pahalgam dipped to minus 11.9°C, Kokernag registered minus 3.3°C, Kupwara noted minus 0.9°C, Gulmarg marked minus 10.0°C, and Jammu experienced a minimum temperature of 5.2°C.

SRINAGAR — The J&K Meteorological Department has predicted a two-day wet spell starting tomorrow, bringing light to moderate snowfall across many parts of the region. Some areas, particularly in the north, northwest, and south, could see significantly heavier snowfall, reaching up to 12 inches in higher reaches.

While Friday was generally dry with a slight chance of light snow at high altitudes, things take a turn from Saturday (February 3rd) onwards. Expect afternoon clouds followed by light to moderate snow or rain in many places by evening. The snowfall is expected to intensify overnight, with some areas receiving heavy snowfall exceeding 8 inches.

The plains and valleys won't be spared either, with snowfall or rain predicted depending on the location. Central Kashmir plains are likely to see rain with light snowfall (1-2 inches), while Jammu division can expect light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning in some areas. Pirpanjal Range and Chenab Valley in the Jammu region might also see light to moderate snowfall during this period.

The good news is that the snowstorm should taper off by Sunday evening, with partly cloudy skies and a chance of light snow only in isolated high areas on Monday (February 5th). The rest of the week, from February 6th to 13th, is expected to be generally dry.

However, with inclement weather expected during Saturday and Sunday evenings, travellers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and pay close attention to advisories from the administration and traffic police.

SRINAGAR — The Meteorological Department issued a forecast on Wednesday indicating the likelihood of light to moderate rain and snow, with the potential for heavy snowfall in select higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir.

An official from the MeT department informed us that these weather conditions are expected to prevail from late afternoon or evening through tomorrow.

The official detailed that the daytime weather will generally be cloudy, with the possibility of light to moderate rain or snow across various locations in Jammu and Kashmir. This is anticipated to commence in the late afternoon or evening and persist until tomorrow morning or forenoon, with the chance of heavy snowfall in certain higher reaches of the north, northwestern, and south Kashmir.

He further stated that lower reaches and plains of the north, northwestern, and south Kashmir region may experience a snowfall depth of 6-8 inches, while the plains of central Kashmir could receive 2-4 inches during tonight and tomorrow early morning.

Looking ahead to February 2, the official mentioned that the weather is expected to be generally dry, with the possibility of very light snow in isolated higher reaches. From February 3 to 4, there's a projected chance of light to moderate rain or snow across many places in Jammu and Kashmir. Beyond that, from February 5 to 12, the weather is expected to remain generally dry.

Due to intermittent light to moderate snowfall over the past three days in higher reaches, significant snow accumulation has occurred in the north and northwestern parts of the Kashmir division. This has led to the temporary closure of roads in higher reaches and important passes. Travelers are advised to plan accordingly to navigate these conditions.

SRINAGAR — In a first of its kind, Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the Valley witnessed the record-breaking driest Chillai Kalan this year.

As per the details shared by the Meteorological department, this year's prolonged dry spell has surpassed the previous records at all the stations across Kashmir.

In Srinagar, a precipitation of 1.5 mm was received from December 21, 2023 to January 30, 2024, thereby recording the driest-ever Chillai Kalan. The previous driest Chillai Kalan in Srinagar was witnessed in 2015 when 5.6 mm of precipitation was recorded.

According to the news agency KNO, Gulmarg, a famous ski-resort, has surpassed the record of 1987 when 17.7 mm of precipitation was recorded. The famous spot has recorded a precipitation of just 17.3 mm this Chillai Kalan.

Qazigund also surpassed the record of 2018 as against the then precipitation of 4.8mm, it has recorded 0.0 mm precipitation this Chillai Kalan.

Pahlagam, a famous tourist spot has witnessed the driest-ever Chillai Kalan after the gap of six years as against the precipitation of 13.9 in 2018, it has recorded a precipitation of only 2.7 mm in the last 40 days.

Kupwara also recorded a low precipitation during the 40-day harshest winter period this year as against the previous record of 15.8 mm in 2001, it has received a precipitation of just 13.8 mm.

Kokernag and Banihal have recorded 0.0 mm precipitation this Chillai Kalan, thus simultaneously breaking the previous record of 5.5 mm and 4.3 mm precipitation respectively in the year 2018.

Pertinently, the 40-day Chillai Kalan in Kashmir this year witnessed warmer days and prolonged dry spell while the experts here have sounded alert, saying that the dry spell will have repercussions in the future.

SRINAGAR — The higher reaches of the Kashmir valley witnessed a fresh bout of snowfall, while some plains experienced rainfall, setting the stage for an extended spell of wintry weather.

Meteorological Department officials have extended their forecast, predicting prevailing weather conditions to persist until February 3 in the region.

According to the officials, the latest snowfall measurements in various areas of Kashmir are a mixed bag, with Doodhpathri recording two inches, Ganderbal (Sonamarg/Zojila) recording a feet, Bandipora (Razdan Top) recording two feet, Dawar Gurez recording six inches of snowfall.

Also, Izmarg with 16 inches, Tulail with four inches, Kupwara (Sadna Top) with 18 inches, Farkin Top with 16 inches, Z-Gali with two feet and Machil with 12 inches of snowfall marked a wet wintery day.

Meteorological department officials outlined the forecast for January 29, indicating a possibility of light to moderate rain and snow at numerous locations across Jammu and Kashmir. Heavy snowfall is anticipated over isolated higher reaches of the Kashmir Division, including districts like Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Shopian, Anantnag, and Kulgam, extending till late Monday afternoon.

Looking ahead to January 30-31, the forecast suggests a likelihood of light to moderate rain and snow at many places in Jammu and Kashmir, with the potential for heavy snowfall in select higher reaches within the Kashmir region.

Similarly, between February 1-2, the weather is expected to remain generally cloudy, with light rain and snow anticipated at various locations during late afternoon and evening periods. On February 3-4, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain and snow covering many places in Jammu and Kashmir.

Residents and travellers are advised to stay vigilant and plan accordingly, as the region grapples with the wintry mix and potential challenges posed by heavy snowfall in specific areas.

SRINAGAR — Authorities have successfully restored one-sided traffic on the Bandipora-Gurez road, allowing the movement of Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) in the Gurez to Bandipora direction. The reopening comes after the road was temporarily closed due to the accumulation of snow.

In a coordinated effort, authorities managed to clear the road, ensuring a smooth flow of traffic for LMVs. The decision to permit one-way traffic was made to address the challenges posed by the recent snowfall in the region.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has issued predictions for the upcoming weather in Jammu and Kashmir. According to an official from MeT, isolated to scattered precipitation is expected in the next 24 hours. This will be followed by fairly widespread light to moderate rain and snow across the region.

In the past 24 hours, there has been reported light rain and snow at a few higher reaches, with the weather expected to remain generally partly to cloudy on January 27. Towards late evening, there is a possibility of light snow at isolated higher reaches.

From January 28 to 29, the weather is anticipated to be generally cloudy, with the likelihood of light to moderate rain and snow in many places. Further, from January 30 to 31, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain and snow at many locations.

The MeT official emphasized that this weather system may lead to temporary road closures in higher reaches and significant passes such as Sinthan Pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna and Razdan Pass, Zojila, especially from January 28 to 31. Travellers are strongly advised to plan accordingly.

In terms of temperatures, Srinagar recorded a low of minus 2.3°C, showing a decrease from the previous night's minus 0.5°C. Other areas like Qazigund, Pahalgam, Kokernag, Kupwara, and Gulmarg also experienced varying degrees of temperature changes.

Jammu, on the other hand, recorded a milder night at 7.0°C. The MeT official urged residents and travellers to stay informed about the evolving weather conditions and take necessary precautions.

SRINAGAR — The Meteorological Department Kashmir on Monday predicted a much-awaited end to the dry spell in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the forecast, the current dry weather is expected to persist until January 24, after which the region can anticipate a shift in weather patterns.

From January 25 to February 1, various weather phenomena are expected to grace the picturesque landscapes of J&K.

The forecast stated generally cloudy conditions with light snowfall at isolated higher reaches on January 25-26. Subsequently, on January 27-28, the region may experience scattered light rain and snow.

The highlight of the forecast lies in the period from January 29 to January 31, where there is a high probability of light to moderate rain and snow at numerous places across Jammu and Kashmir.

"As February begins, the possibility of light rain and snow at scattered locations on the first day brings further anticipation for a weather change," it said.

"However, residents are advised to brace themselves for a brief downturn in visibility and a dip in daytime temperatures over the plains of Jammu Division in the next two days due to moderate to dense fog," the MeT said.