Met Office predicts flash-floods, asks farmers not to spray orchards
SRINAGAR: Get ready for more rain and snow this week, thanks to Western Disturbances.
As intermittent rains lashed many parts of Kashmir Saturday, Meteorological Deptt Director, Sonam Lotus said: “Two Western Disturbances in quick succession are likely to affect Jammu & Kashmir and adjoining areas from this (Saturday) evening till April 4th with occasional gaps. Under the influence of these weather systems, moderate to heavy rain or snow (on hilly areas) will occur at most places in J&K and at a few places in Ladakh region.”
Rain showers and snow will pester many parts of the Valley, beginning Saturday night and continue for whole week till Saturday. The downpour could cause flash flooding along the National Highway and in some higher areas, he predicted.
Lotus said the weather condition has the potential to trigger landslide in the avalanche prone areas and flash floods in vulnerable areas of the state.
The worst of it will come Sunday March 29 and Friday April 3, when heavy rain could affect commutes especially in areas with poor drainage.
“The weather system may also disrupt surface and air transport during these days,” he said.
He also advised farmers to avoid sprays in orchids these days.
“Farmers are advised to avoid spraying of orchards and drain out excess water from the fields during these days,” Lotus said.
The director said there would be significant decrease in day temperatures and slight rise in night temperature owing to cloud cover.
Srinagar had recorded the hottest day of the season at 23.3 degrees Celsius on Friday – five degrees above normal for this part of the season but the heat was short lived as heavy cloud cover engulfed the Valley since wee hours with occasional spell of rains.
After almost dry weather during peak winter (December – February), Srinagar and other parts of the Valley experienced at least three spells of snowfall during this month, bringing cheer to the people especially farmers, tourists and winter sports lovers.
However, the latest prediction has caused panic among the denizens in general and farmers in particular in view of unprecedented floods in September last year which claimed nearly 300 lives and rendered thousands homeless besides destroying business.
The weather system may disrupt surface and air traffic and there will be significant decrease in day temperatures
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