SRINAGAR: The recent onset of fresh and moderate rainfall in Kashmir has revived the winter chill, lowering the mercury.
Meanwhile, forecasts indicate light rains in isolated areas for the next two days. The continuous rainfall throughout the day disrupted normal life not only in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu Kashmir, but also in other parts of the Valley.
A private weather forecaster has forecasted that during the next 4-6 hours, heavy rainfall would likely continue in most places of Jammu and Kashmir.
Srinagar city and other plains of Kashmir can see heavy to very heavy rainfall during the period, he said.
Director Meteorological Department (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad in a detailed forecast, said that though there is a possibility of gradual improvement in weather conditions from tonight, partly cloudy weather is expected on April 16-17 with the possibility of light rain at isolated places.
On April 18-19 , generally cloudy with light rain and snow (higher reaches) at many places with thunder, lightning during 18th night to 19th late afternoon and evening is expected, he said.
He added that from April 20 to 25th, the weather would remain generally dry while thundershower activity in the afternoon can’t be ruled out.
The MeT department has also issued an advisory, asking the farmers to suspend farm operations till 16th April.
Temporary disruption of surface transportation over a few higher reaches during April 15, thus the travelers and tourists are advised to plan accordingly.
“Temporary waterlogging in a few low-lying areas is expected and also there is a possibility of landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones,” it said.
Moreover, the heavy rainfall has led to the closure of Srinagar-Jammu National Highway which remained closed for vehicular movement after shooting stones were reported at multiple places.
“The highway was closed for traffic as a precautionary measure. Once the weather conditions improve, the debris will be cleared and traffic will be allowed to ply accordingly,” the officials from the Traffic department said—(KNO)
