SRINAGAR: With no forecast of any major wet spell over the next two weeks, the Meteorological Department (MeT) has predicted erratic weather conditions in Jammu and Kashmir till January 3, including light snowfall over the higher reaches of the Valley.
The weather is expected to remain generally dry over the next three days. Light rain over the plains of Jammu and light snow over the higher reaches of the Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal Range are expected from the afternoon of December 27 to the forenoon of December 28.
The Director of the Meteorological Department, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, said that the weather is expected to remain generally dry on 29 December.
On December 31, the weather is likely to remain generally cloudy, with the possibility of light snow at isolated higher reaches.
From January 1 to January 3, the weather is forecast to remain generally cloudy, with the possibility of light snow at isolated to scattered places.
In its advisory, the MeT has predicted a drop in minimum temperatures by 2–3 degrees Celsius during December 23-26. The advisory reads that the cold wave will continue at isolated places until December 26.
In light of the fresh snowfall, sub-freezing temperatures, and icy road conditions over important passes and higher reaches, tourists, travellers, and transporters are advised to follow administration and traffic advisories.
Meanwhile, the night temperature has improved across the Valley, with Srinagar recording a low of minus 3.6 degrees Celsius.
Qazigund, the gateway to Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 4.8 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam, a well-known tourist destination, registered a minimum temperature of minus 5.0 degrees Celsius.
In Kupwara, the mercury settled at minus 4.3 degrees Celsius, and in Kokernag, it reached minus 4.0 degrees Celsius. Gulmarg, a famous ski resort, recorded a low of minus 4.8 degrees Celsius. (KNO)
