Jammu and Kashmir has been witnessing widespread heavy snowfall for the last three days. According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, Western Disturbance moving across Jammu and Kashmir has given good snow and rain over the hilly state and is likely to continue till Tuesday.
This is the first good spell of snowfall in the state during the season so far. Till now, heavy snow was confined to higher reaches only and minimum snow was observed in the middle and lower reaches.
In a span of 24 hours from 8.30 am on Monday, Srinagar recorded 23 mm of rain, Banihal 42.4 mm, Batote 43.2 mm, Bhaderwah 54.4 mm, Katra 47.7 mm, Kukarnag 29.6 mm, Pahalgam18.4 mm and Gulmarg 8.7 mm of rain.
Inclement weather conditions have led to closure of arterial Jammu-Srinagar national highway for vehicular movement, along with several other inter-district highways. Scores of vehicles were stranded on the roadside for hours due to heavy snow and slippery roads.
According to local reports, heavy snow clearing machines have been deployed to clear the highway. Authorities have also advised people to exercise caution while travelling or if possible cancel the journey.
In wake of the system, minimum temperatures in the state have increased while maximum temperatures have dropped. As per Skymet, the system is expected to clear by Wednesday, post which minimum temperatures will drop significantly, resulting in cold wave conditions over the region.
It is almost after 30 years, that the state is witnessing widespread snowfall in February, as it generally starts snowing during December in the region.
Another Western Disturbance with moderate intensity is expected to affect Jammu and Kashmir around February 7 or 8.
Western Disturbances become frequent during winters and are responsible for affecting the weather in the region to a large extent. These systems after approaching the region usually stay for 1-2 days and give short spells of rain. The system is called Western Disturbance due to its movement from west to east.
