DDMA issues weather advisory
*Sharp fall in day temperature in Jammu areas
Fayaz Bukhari /Gopal Sharma
SRINAGAR/ JAMMU, Feb 25: The higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir received fresh snowfall, while the plains of Valley and many parts of Jammu region were lashed by rains on Tuesday, bringing sharp fall in day temperature.
The hills of Kashmir including the famous ski resort Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Dodhpathri received fresh snowfall. Six inches of snowfall was recorded at Gulmarg and Sonmarg, 5 inches at Dodhpathri and 4 inches in Daksum Sinthan top and Peer ki Gali.
Srinagar and other parts of the Valley were lashed by the intermittent rains since afternoon which brought the mercury down.
The Meteorological department (MeT) issued a yellow alert for February 26 across the region. “An orange alert has been issued for February 27 for both J&K. On February 28, an orange alert was issued for Jammu and yellow alert for Kashmir region.”
Isolated heavy rain and snow are expected during the period while surface traffic may also be witnessed, read the advisory issued by the MeT.
Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp
“Generally cloudy weather is expected for the next three days as there is a possibility of light to moderate rain and snow at most places till February 28 late night with isolated heavy rain and snow over both Kashmir and Jammu divisions during the above period,” Director MeT, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said.
He further added that on March 1 and 2, light rain and snow are expected in scattered to fairly widespread places, adding that an active Western Disturbance is affecting Jammu and Kashmir from tomorrow.
“There are expectations that the next four days would witness the major snowfall of this season on the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir. The major intensity is expected between February 27 and 28,” he added.
He further said that light to moderate rain/snow would first commence over places of North and Central Kashmir on 25 February (evening/night) and thereafter gradually increase in intensity and distribution throughout J&K.
The system will most likely to cause moderate to heavy snow mainly in middle and upper reaches of Kashmir Division including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Baramulla, Bandipora, Gurez and Tulail Valley, Kupwara, Machil and Tangdhar Sector, Shopian, Pir Ki Gali, Qazigund-Ramban axis, Doda, Kishtwar and Pirpanjal Range of Jammu Division during the period.
The MeT has also issued an advisory stating that this weather system may lead to disruption of surface and air transportation like National Highway Srinagar-Jammu, Sadhna Pass, Razdhan Pass, Sonamarg-Zojila axis, Sinthan top and Mughal Road etc. All tourists/transporters & travellers are advised to plan their trip accordingly.
It has also warned that middle and higher reaches of Kashmir and hilly area of Jammu most likely to receive moderate to heavy snowfall, while few higher reaches of South Kashmir and Doda regionmay receive heavy to very heavy snowfall particularly on February 27 and 28.
Farmers have been advised to suspend irrigation and other farm operations during the period.
There is a possibility of landslides/shooting stones/mudslides at vulnerable places also.
The day temperature is likely to witness significant fall due to the inclement weather in Jammu and Kashmir.
The night temperature increased at most weather stations of the Kashmir valley with Srinagar recording a minimum of 4.9 C and it was 3.1 C above the average for the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir during this period of the season.
The day temperature recorded in Srinagar on Tuesday was 10.4 deg C compared to 18.0 C on Tuesday. While the night temperature remained 4,9 deg C. The ski resort of Gulmarg recorded a low of -1.3 C and it was 4.3 C above normal while the tourist resort of Pahalgam had -0.3 C and it was 2.3 C above normal for the place in south Kashmir.
Jammu and many other areas in the region witnessed rain since afternoon on Tuesday. This resulted into sharp fall in the temperature.
Higher reaches of Bhaderwah, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Udhampur, Poonch and Rajouri witnessed fresh snowfall this evening. Several higher passes in the region have been closed with fresh snowfall.
Jammu recorded a maximum temperature of 17.9 deg C and minimum 13.5 deg C, Katra town a maximum temperature of 16.0 deg C and minimum 12.2, Bhaderwah minimum temperature of 4.0 deg while Banihal minimum temperature of 3.6 deg C today.
Kashmir has experienced a mostly dry winter this year, with January and February recording a precipitation deficit of around 80 percent.
However, the wet weather spell, along with the forecast of more precipitation, has raised hopes among the people of reducing the high rainfall deficit in Kashmir.
Meanwhile, the office of the Chairman District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has issued a weather advisory stating that the weather system may lead to disruption of surface and air transportation like National Highway (Srinagar-Jammu, Sadhna pass, Razdhan Pass, Sonmarg-Zojila Axis, Sinthan Top and Mughal Road), etc. All tourists, transporters and travellers have been advised to plan accordingly.
The DDMA has also issued a general warning, stating that middle and higher reaches of Kashmir and hilly areas of Jammu are most likely to receive moderate to heavy snowfall, while a few higher reaches of south Kashmir and Doda region may receive heavy to very heavy snowfall, particularly on February 27 and 28.
The farmers have been advised to suspend irrigation and other farm operations.
According to the advisory, there is a possibility of landslides, shooting stones and mudslides at vulnerable places. A significant fall in day temperature is also expected during the above period.
The Departments of Revenue, PWD(R&B), Irrigation & Flood Control, MH&ED, SMC, KPDCL, Jal Shakti, Health & Medical Education have been requested to make all necessary logistical arrangements for snow clearance and related works.
The field staff of the aforesaid departments have been directed to remain stationed in their headquarters to render immediate assistance.
The general public can contact District Emergency Operation Centre, (DEOC) Srinagar already established by District Administration Srinagar in DC Office Srinagar functioning 24×7 to attend to the public grievances, SOS calls on priority and other Departments.
The District Administration Jammu has issued a weather advisory in view of the Western Disturbance forecast issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (Integrated Control Room for Emergency response) predicting heavy rainfalll in the region from February 25 to 28.
The District administration has advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel during adverse weather conditions to ensure safety and minimize disruptions.
Further, Revenue PWD (R&B) Roads & Building, PWD (Mechanical Engineering), PMGSY, Urban Local Bodies, Jal Shakti, Health & Medical Education Departments have been directed to make necessary logistical arrangements for snow clearance and related works.
Besides, the people can contact 24×7 District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC) at DC office Jammu with Contact Numbers +0191-2520542, +0191 2571616, for any emergency or assistance needs.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
