*Gusty winds hit Pir Panjal region, Kmr
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR/ JAMMU, Jan 22: While western disturbances brought rain with gusty winds and snowfall in Pir Panjal region besides in some areas of south Kashmir late this evening, the authorities closed Mughal road after a spell of fresh snowfall, while the day temperature has dropped in Jammu after change in weather.
Reports from Poonch said that rain with gusty winds started in Poonch and parts of Rajouri late this evening, while the fresh snowfall has been reported in the higher reaches of Pir Panjal ranges. Due to strong winds the tin roof of the house of one Mushtaq Bhat in Ward No. 6, Mohalla Nabni in Poonch town was badly damaged this evening. The reports of partial damage to several other tin houses/ structures has been reported from other rural areas of Poonch, Surankote and Mandi-Loran belt. It was raining in parts of Rajouri, Reasi and parts of Chenab region and Kashmir late this evening.
A Meteorological Department official said the WDs will impact Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the western Himalayas, with precipitation peaking on January 22 and 23. The MeT has forecast isolated heavy snowfall in the Kashmir Valley during this period.
Higher-altitude areas, including Gulmarg and several mountain passes, are likely to face road closures due to snow accumulation and poor visibility tonight and tomorrow.
Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the Meteorological Department in Kashmir, said a strong western disturbance is set to affect the region from this afternoon. “The system is expected to be intense and could be disruptive. There is a high probability of widespread snowfall, including over the Kashmir plains and parts of Poonch, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban and Kathua districts,” he said.
The disturbance will initially affect the higher reaches of Kashmir before spreading to most parts of Jammu and Kashmir by night. Although the system is expected to weaken within 24 hours, the official warned that snowfall during this period could be significant due to high moisture levels. The peak impact is forecast from Thursday night until late afternoon on January 23.
Authorities have warned of possible disruptions to flight operations, train services and road connectivity on January 23. Landslides are also likely at vulnerable locations, especially across the Pir Panjal range and the Chenab Valley.
Cold conditions prevailed across Kashmir on Thursday, with minimum temperatures dropping at most places and a western disturbance affected the region bringing fresh snowfall this evening.
There was a decrease in night temperatures at most places in Kashmir and the mercury settled below the freezing point across the valley, they said.
The weatherman said that winter capital Jammu today experienced drop in days temperature as compared to last two-three days. The City today recorded a maximum temperature of 20.5 degrees Celsius as compared to 22.5 deg on the previous day. The night temperature, however, in Jammu was 7.2 deg C on Thursday.
Katra Mata Vaishnodevi today recorded a minimum temperature of 6.6 deg C and maximum 18.3 deg C; Bhaderwah town a night temperature of minus 1.5 deg C and day temperature of 15.0 deg; Batote town a minimum temperature of 3.1 and maximum 12.8 while Banihal town a night temperature of minus 2.2 deg C on Thursday.
Udhampur and Rajouri towns recorded a night temperature of 1.0 degrees C, Samba town 0.1 deg C, Poonch 6.1 deg C, Doda, 3.0 deg, Kishtwar 2.8, Ramban 3.1 deg C, Kathua 5.8 deg while Reasi town 4.2 deg C temperature last night.
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