Srinagar: The Meteorological Department on Saturday issued ‘yellow’ warning forecasting heavy rain and snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh regions from March 21 which could lead to traffic disruption on the highways and trigger landslides and shooting stones, besides dipping the day temperature sharply.
In an advisory issued here on Saturday, Deputy Director Meteorological department, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that in quick succession, two Western Disturbances (WDs) are most likely to affect J&K and adjoining areas from March 21 (afternoon).
“Under the influence of these weather systems, widespread moderate rain/snow is expected in Jammu, Kashmir and light rain/snow at a few places of Ladakh region on March 21,” reads the advisory.
It adds that another WD mostly likely to affect J&K and neighbourhood from March 22 afternoon, will peak intensity during 22 and 23 night. It will gradually decrease thereafter.
“This may lead to temporary disruption of surface traffic mainly on Jammu-Srinagar, Srinagar-Leh, Mughal Road and other major roads. Landslides and shooting stones in vulnerable spots of Jammu-Srinagar, Srinagar-Leh highways. Temporary water logging in low lying areas,” the advisory reads.
It also urges suspension and avoiding agricultural and horticultural operations besides draining out excess water.
“Dip in day temperature expected,” the advisory said.
There are four types colour codes signifying the level of caution: green which means no action, yellow—situation to be watched), amber –government agencies need to be prepared for severe weather and red –action needed by the agencies.
Meanwhile, barring famous tourist resort of Pahalgam in South Kashmir’, mercury remained above normal in the Kashmir Valley.
A meteorological department official said that Srinagar recorded a low of 6.0 degree Celsius against 5.8 degree Celsius on the previous night. The minimum temperature was 1.3 degree Celsius above normal for this time of the year in the summer capital of J&K, the official said.
Qazigund recorded a low of 4.4 degree Celsius against 5.7 degree Celsius on the previous night while mercury settled at minus 0.2 degree Celsius against 0.7 degree Celsius on the earlier night at Pahalgam. It was minus 0.3 degree Celsius below normal at the famous resort.
Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, recorded a low of 4.3 degree Celsius against previous night’s 6.0 degree Celsius, the official said.
The minimum temperature settled at 2.8 degree Celsius in Kupwara against 6.6 degree Celsius on the previous night, the official said.
Gulmarg recorded minimum temperature of 0.5 degree Celsius against minus 0.0 degree Celsius on the previous night, the official said. The temperature at the world famous skiing resort which received nearly 3ft fresh snowfall last week is minus 2.3 degree Celsius normal for this time of the year, the official said. (With agency inputs)
Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now
Be Part of Quality Journalism |
Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast. |
| ACT NOW |
| MONTHLY | Rs 100 |  |
| YEARLY | Rs 1000 | |
| LIFETIME | Rs 10000 | |
