Srinagar: The Meteorological Department has predicted a three-day wet spell beginning Friday evening with the main weather activity likely on Sunday in the form of light snowfall in plains and moderate snowfall in higher reaches of Kashmir.
“Weather update J&K: A fresh Western Disturbance most likely to affect J&K and adjoining areas during December 4th (evening) to 6th (afternoon) with peak activity on 5th December. Widespread light to moderate snowfall in middle and higher reaches of Kashmir/Jammu and light Snow/Rain over plains of Kashmir.
Jammu is expected. Higher reaches of Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Shopian and Ganderbal districts may receive 6-9 inches of snow during above period” said an advisory issued by the MeT.
As probable impacts of the forthcoming inclement weather, “ emporary disruption of air and surface traffic over passes like Zojila, Sinthan Top, Razdan Top, Mugal Road was likely due to snow and freezing temperatures on December 5”. “Proper prunning of orchards and withheld irrigation and fertiliser application in wheat and mustard crops in plains of Jammu during above period” the MeT advisory said.
Meanwhile, the minimum temperature settled below the freezing point across Kashmir, with several weather stations in the valley including Srinagar city recording the coldest night of the season so far.
Srinagar recorded a low of minus 2.5 degrees Celsius during the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday, down from minus 1.5 degrees Celsius during Monday and Tuesday, MeT data said. This was lowest minimum temperature recorded in the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir this winter.
The officials said Pahalgam in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 5.2 degrees Celsius, dropping from minus 3.3 degrees Celsius 24 hours earlier.
Gulmarg resort in north Kashmir's Baramulla district also recorded a minimum temperature of minus 1.6 degrees Celsius. The famous ski resort was the warmest place in the valley during Tuesday and Wednesday night.
The mercury in Kupwara in north Kashmir settled at a low of minus 3.5 degrees Celsius during Tuesday and Wednesday night.
Qazigund, the gateway town to the valley, recorded minus 3.3 degrees Celsius, while Kokernag recorded a low of minus 1.8 degrees Celsius during Tuesday and Wednesday night.
