SRINAGAR: Mostly dry and cloudy weather is expected across Jammu and Kashmir today, with partly sunny conditions forecast in the plains of Jammu during the day, turning cloudy by evening. However, a significant change in weather patterns is on the horizon as a fresh and active Western Disturbance is poised to affect the region from this evening or late tonight.
This weather system is expected to initially impact the higher reaches of Kashmir, bringing moderate to heavy rain and snowfall tomorrow. The plains of Jammu are likely to receive rain, while snowfall is anticipated in the plains of Kashmir. Heavy to very heavy snowfall is predicted in Kashmir’s higher altitudes. The system is projected to remain active until the morning of January 6, with another potential spell of precipitation likely between the late afternoon or evening of January 6 and the morning of January 7. Dry weather is expected to prevail across the Union Territory from the afternoon of January 7 through January 10.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed the impact of this active Western Disturbance, forecasting light to moderate snowfall across the western Himalayan region, with heavy snowfall likely in Jammu and Kashmir on January 4 and 5. IMD scientist Naresh Kumar noted that adjoining plains, including parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttarakhand, could experience light to moderate rainfall during this period.
Meanwhile, flight operations at Srinagar airport faced significant disruptions on Saturday morning due to dense fog that blanketed the Kashmir valley. Poor visibility delayed all morning flights, and no operations had taken place as of late morning. Airlines have rescheduled flights, awaiting improved conditions. This marks the second consecutive day of flight delays, with Friday seeing similar disruptions. One flight was even diverted before operations resumed later in the day.
The fog has also led to a slight improvement in temperatures across the region. Gulmarg, a renowned skiing destination, recorded a low of minus 4.5 degrees Celsius last night, a significant rise from the previous night’s minus 8.6 degrees. Pahalgam, popular among pilgrims, saw a similar trend, with temperatures climbing to minus 4.6 degrees Celsius.
Travellers on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway have been advised to exercise caution as the impending weather system raises the likelihood of landslides and shooting stones.
