KL Report
Srinagar
The weather office here Monday forecasted moderate to heavy snowfall across the Valley on Thursday and Friday, as a Western Disturbance (WD) approaches.
Sonam Lotus, director of the local MET office said, “Because of an approaching WD we are expecting moderate snowfall in the plains and rather heavy snow in the higher reaches of the Valley, especially on Jan 18.”
“Cloudiness will start increasing from Jan 16 as the WD is expected to become active over the state on January 17, and 18,”he added.
WDs are extra tropical storms in the Mediterranean Sea, which result in sudden rain and snowfall in India, Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Prospects of the rabi crop depend on WDs. Despite an intense cold wave sweeping the Valley during the ongoing 40-day harsh period of winter known locally as ‘Chillai Kalan’, Kashmir is yet to witness a major snowfall that could restock constant water reservoirs in the mountains.
The Valley’s rivers, lakes, springs and streams depend for their summer discharge on these constant water reservoirs.
