SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir is likely to experience widespread rain and snowfall over the next two days, with the Meteorological Department forecasting moderate to heavy snowfall in higher reaches and light to moderate rainfall across the plains on November 12 and 13 under the influence of a Western Disturbance.
The weather system is also expected to trigger thunderstorms, hailstorms and gusty winds at isolated places, while daytime temperatures across the region are likely to drop by 6 to 8 degrees Celsius during the period.
Director Meteorological Centre Srinagar, Mukhtar Ahmad, said the approaching Western Disturbance was a significant system expected to bring widespread precipitation across Jammu and Kashmir.
He said moderate snowfall was likely at major tourist destinations, including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam and Doodhpathri, potentially bringing the season’s first major snowfall to these places.
According to the forecast, higher reaches of Kupwara, Bandipora and Ganderbal are likely to receive moderate to heavy snowfall. Other mountainous areas of north, central and south Kashmir, along with the Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley regions, may also experience fresh snowfall.
Poonch and adjoining areas are likely to receive moderate to heavy rainfall, while the plains of Kashmir are expected to witness light to moderate precipitation.
The anticipated snowfall could affect traffic movement on several important mountain passes and roads, including Zojila, Razdan Pass, Sadhna Pass, Sinthan Top, Margan Top and Peer Ki Gali along the Mughal Road.
Travellers, tourists and transporters have been advised to plan their journeys carefully and follow traffic advisories issued by the authorities. Slippery road conditions, reduced visibility and snow accumulation could temporarily disrupt connectivity in vulnerable areas.
The Meteorological Department has also advised farmers to ensure the safe storage of harvested crops during the wet spell and avoid leaving their produce exposed to rain.
The fresh precipitation is expected to improve prospects for the winter tourism season, particularly at Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam and Doodhpathri, where snowfall is likely to attract visitors.
Meanwhile, the higher reaches have already received fresh snowfall in recent days, including parts of Gulmarg, Gurez, Sonamarg and Zojila.
Weather conditions are expected to improve from November 14, with November 14 and 15 likely to remain generally dry, barring brief spells of light rain or snow at isolated places.
The MeT has forecast mainly dry weather across Jammu and Kashmir from November 16 to November 20.
