Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 20: Weatherman today issued an advisory regarding widespread rain and snow, warning about possibility of temporary disruption of air and surface traffic as well as damage to horticultural crops in Jammu and Kashmir during this weekend.
“An active Western Disturbance will most likely to affect J&K and adjoining areas from 22nd October (evening) to 24th October with peak activity on 23rd October,” read an advisory of Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu.
“Under the influence of above system, widespread moderate rain/snow is expected in Jammu and Kashmir and light rain/snow at many places of Ladakh region during 22nd to 24th October,” the advisory read adding “possibility of light snow in plains, moderate snow in middle reaches and heavy snow at isolated places over higher reaches of Kashmir Division and moderate rain with thunder/ lightning and gusty winds (30-40 KMPH) in Jammu division is also expected.”
The system will most likely cause heavy snow mainly in upper reaches of Kashmir including Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Zojila Pass, Gurez, Tullail valley, Machil and Karnah Sector, Shopian, Qazigund-Banihal axis, Pirpanjal Range of Jammu Division, Gumri and Minamarg and Zanskar subdivision of Ladakh.
Regarding probable impacts, the advisory says that weather system may lead to temporary disruption of air and surface traffic mainly on Jammu-Srinagar/Srinagar-Leh, Leh-Manali National Highway, Mughal Road and other major hilly roads.
It said that landslides and shooting stones may occur in vulnerable spots of Jammu-Srinagar/Srinagar-Leh Highways.
There is possibility of electricity disruption and temporary water logging in low lying areas, it said.
The weather system is also expected to damage to horticultural crops and bring dip in day temperature.
Farmers have been advised to harvest their crops and fruits and carryout necessary pruning of trees also. Commuters have been advised to plan their journey according to weather advisory.
Night temperature continue to fall across Kashmir Valley with the world famous skiing resort of Gulmarg recording below normal by minus 1.4°C, officials said.
Srinagar recorded minimum temperature of 6.3 degree Celsius against 7.7 degree Celsius previous night, MeT office said here. Even though temperature is slight above normal for this time of the year, the fall is by more than four degrees than recorded only couple of days ago.
Qazigund, recorded a low of 6.8 degree Celsius against previous night’s 8.2° degree Celsius.
Pahalgam, the famous resort in south Kashmir, recorded a low of 2.7 degree Celsius against 4.8 degree Celsius on previous night.
Kokernag recorded a minimum of 7.2 degree Celsius against 7.2 degree Celsius last night.
Kupwara town of the north Kashmir recorded a low of 5.0 degree Celsius against 6.4 degree Celsius the previous night.
Gulmarg recorded a minimum of 1.5 degree Celsius against normal of 2.9 degree Celsius for this time of the year. The temperature of the place is below minus 1.4 degree Celsius.
The weatherman has forecast heavy spell of rains and snow from October 23-25 in Jammu and Kashmir.
“A fresh spell of widespread moderate rain/snow is most likely during 23rd October forenoon to 25th. Heavy rain/snow is very likely at many places of J&K mainly on October 23rd,” the official said.
Regarding impact, he said, there could be damage to orchards and temporary disruption of major highways on hilly areas due to accumulation of snow and low temp. However, the official said that forecast was based (October 19) conditions and “may change in terms of intensity and timing but a spell of rain will occur.”
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