Improvement expected from Mar 21
Srinagar, Mar 18: Fresh spells of rain and snowfall have led to a sharp dip in temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir, with the Meteorological Department forecasting a major spell of weather activity over the next two days.
Intermittent rainfall continued for the fourth consecutive day across the plains of Kashmir on Wednesday, while higher reaches received fresh snowfall, further intensifying the chill.
According to details, snowfall persisted in several high-altitude areas, including Sadhna Top, Sinthan Top, Pir Ki Gali, Razdan Top, Zojila Pass, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, the higher reaches of Karnah Valley, and Margan Top.
Meanwhile, steady rains lashed the plains throughout the day, dragging temperatures well below normal across the Valley.
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded a maximum temperature of 8.4°C, which is 7.6°C below normal. Qazigund, the gateway to Kashmir, registered 9.2°C (6.3°C below normal), while Pahalgam recorded 7.6°C (5.3°C below normal). Kupwara and Kokernag both recorded 9.2°C, falling 7.0°C and 5.9°C below normal, respectively. Gulmarg, a popular ski resort, recorded a maximum of just 1.0°C, which is 4.8°C below the seasonal average.
Parts of the Jammu division also experienced below-normal temperatures. Jammu city recorded a maximum of 20.2°C, which is 7.3°C below normal. Banihal recorded 9.5°C (8.7°C below normal), Batote 10.1°C (7.9°C below normal), Bhaderwah 10.2°C (9.7°C below normal), and Katra 19.2°C (4.5°C below normal).
Director of the Meteorological Department, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, said that a significant weather system is expected to affect the region between March 19 and March 20, bringing further rain and snowfall to several areas, including parts of the Jammu division.
He added that weather conditions are likely to improve from March 21, with predominantly dry weather expected to prevail until March 26.
“A fresh wet spell is also expected towards the end of the month,” he said.
The MeT department has advised farmers to resume agricultural operations from March 21 onwards, while travellers and transporters have been urged to follow official advisories in view of the prevailing conditions.
