MeT forecasts snow in J&K on New Year eve
*Train, vehicular traffic also badly hit
Gopal Sharma/Fayaz Bukhari
JAMMU/SRINAGAR, Dec 29: At least six flights were cancelled and 10 others delayed as dense fog enveloped Jammu today while weatherman has forecast snowfall in Kashmir and mountainous areas of Jammu region on the eve of new year, as Western Disturbance (WD) is approaching Jammu and Kashmir tomorrow evening.
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With the fog, mostly in plain areas of Jammu region and parts of Punjab, Haryana and Delhi, the train and inter-bus services were also badly hit. The dense fog during most of the period during day, also dropped maximum temperature in Jammu by about 7 degrees Celsius during past three days.
A senior official at Jammu Airport said that it was dense fog during the morning hours over Jammu sky and visibility was also less than 100 meters. With the poor visibility in the region, six flights including two Indigo and two Air India were cancelled. Leh-Jammu-Leh flight also remained cancelled from Jammu Airport.
He further disclosed that flight operations could be possible only after 12 noon as weather improved. Ten flights including eight Indigo and two SpiceJet were delayed. Even during the evening hours, the flight operation was hit, he added.
A MeT official said that the weather is expected to change on December 30 with the arrival of a new Western Disturbance. Light to moderate snowfall is likely across Kashmir, and hilly areas of Jammu region, especially from the afternoon hours and continuing into the early morning of December 31. Click here to watch video
“While the primary impact will be in higher reaches, there are fair chances of light snowfall over some plain areas if precipitation persists during the night,” he said.
“On December 31 and January 1, mostly cloudy conditions are expected to prevail across Jammu and Kashmir. Light to moderate rain and snow showers are likely during this period, though the system is expected to remain weak,” the official said.
He said that from January 2 to January 5, the weather is expected to remain dry across the region, bringing temporary relief from precipitation-related disruptions.
“The snowfall could impact traffic movement on mountain passes, including the Srinagar-Leh highway, particularly near Zojila Pass and Mughal Road. Authorities have advised commuters and travellers to remain cautious and stay updated with official advisories”, he added.
The District Administration Baramulla today issued a weather advisory in view of the forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Srinagar, predicting heavy snowfall at higher reaches and light snowfall/rain across Jammu and Kashmir from December 29 to December 31.
According to the advisory issued by the office of the Chairman DDMA/District Magistrate Baramulla, the general public, particularly residents of vulnerable areas and those living near slopes and higher reaches, have been advised to avoid unnecessary movement in such areas until weather conditions improve.
The administration has also directed all line departments, including Revenue, Health, Police, SDRF, MED, PHE, R&B, PMGSY and KPDCL, especially those associated with snow clearance and winter operations, to remain on high alert.
“Departments have been instructed to ensure availability of men and machinery at designated locations, while concerned staff have been asked to remain present throughout the advisory period.
“For any emergency, the general public can contact the District Emergency Operations Centre (DEOC) Baramulla and other emergency helplines. The contact numbers include DEOC Baramulla WhatsApp number 9596767768, Police Control Room Baramulla 01952-234343, ERSS Srinagar 112, and mobile numbers 7006493646 and 7006921302,” the officials said.
Meanwhile, Jammu recorded a sharp drop in day temperature, about 3.6 deg C during past 24 hours and about 7.2 degree C in just past three days, forcing people wear heavy woolen clothes. There was a difference of just 2 degrees between the temperatures of Srinagar and Jammu during the day today.
While Jammu recorded a day temperature of 15.3 deg C, Srinagar City experienced the day temperature of 13.3 deg C on Monday. However, Jammu’s night temperature has witnessed a little rise.
Katra Mata Vaishnodevi recorded a maximum temperature of 18 deg C and minimum 9.2, Bhaderwah maximum 16.2 deg C and minimum 3.3, Banihal minimum 4.7 and maximum 15.1 deg C today.
Pahalgam recorded minimum temp of 0.4 deg C, Gulmarg minus 2.0, Kukernag 2.2 while Kupwara registered 1.8 deg C on Monday.
A Railway spokesman said that several trains arrived late at Jammu station today due to dense fog in the northern region. He said Sambalpur-Jammu Tawi train was late by 8.45 hrs, Malwa Express late by 7.30 hrs, Pooja Express and Begumpura-Jammu Swaraj Express late by 3-4 hours while, over a dozen trains were late by 30 minutes to three hours including Hemkund, Jhelum, Utter Sampark Kranti, Shri Shakti etc.
The vehicular traffic was also badly hit due to dense fog and poor visibility in Jammu region. The interstate buses arrived 2-3 hours late from Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Dehradun, Haridwar and other destinations. Most of the vehicles in Jammu City were seen moving with their headlights on during morning and evening hours.
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