SRINAGAR: Amidst the ongoing rainfall deficit, the Meteorological Department has predicted a two-day wet spell in Jammu and Kashmir from Wednesday
Director of Meteorology (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said under cloudy weather conditions, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain and snow at many locations from the evening of 19 February to late afternoon on 20 February. “The fresh Western Disturbance is all set to hit the Union Territory,” he said.
Dr Ahmad stated that the plains of Kashmir and Jammu may receive light to moderate rain and thunder with gusty winds at a few locations. The higher reaches of Chenab Valley and South Kashmir may receive moderate snowfall of up to 10 inches, while the higher elevations of north and Central Kashmir may see up to 8 inches of snowfall.
Independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif Keng said that a fresh Western Disturbance is expected to develop over Afghanistan on 19 February and will quickly move towards Jammu and Kashmir by 20 February, bringing widespread rain and snow across the region.
“The first signs of the disturbance will be felt in the higher elevations late on the night of 19 February, with precipitation intensifying as it spreads across the region. Most parts of Jammu and Kashmir are likely to experience moderate rain or snow, with some areas seeing heavy precipitation,” he said.
“On average, the Jammu region may record more precipitation than the Kashmir Valley. The Chenab Valley districts—Ramban, Kishtwar, and Doda—are also expected to receive moderate to heavy precipitation. In the Kashmir Valley plains, rain may dominate, but a sharp drop in temperature could trigger a transition to snowfall, especially under prolonged heavy precipitation,” Keng added.
Temperatures, expected to be between 15°C and 18°C on 19 February, are likely to drop below 7°C on 20 February. Heavy snowfall is anticipated in the Pir Panjal range, affecting areas such as Gulmarg, Sinthan Top, Peer Ki Gali, and other parts of Mughal Road.
Due to higher temperatures, lightning and thundershowers may be common on that day, especially in the Jammu region. There is also a risk of shooting stones and landslides on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway on 20 February. The weather is expected to improve from 21 February onwards. (KNO)