An active Western Disturbance has given widespread heavy snow and rain over Jammu and Kashmir, disrupting air and road traffic. Arterial Jammu and Srinagar National Highway was closed for vehicular movement after heavy snowfall in nearby districts and landslides in Ramban sector.
Moreover, air traffic was also affected, as all flights to Srinagar on Monday were cancelled due to inclement weather conditions and accumulation of snow on the runway.
In a span of last 24 hours, Banihal recorded 79 mm, Srinagar 35 mm, Katra 129.4 mm, Batote 67.6 mm, Jammu 71.7 mm, Bhaderwah 62.6 mm, Gulmarg 34 mm, Kokernag 43 mm, Kupwara 28 mm, Pahalgam 35 mm and Qazigund 59 mm of rain.
According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, the system is presently moving across Jammu and Kashmir and will continue to give heavy rain and snow over the state for next 48 hours as well. However it will be on reducing note.
In wake of the system, maximum temperatures have recorded significant drop and are now settling below normal. While, minimum temperatures have increased marginally. On Sunday, Srinagar recorded maximum temperature at 4.9°C, while minimum was at 0.4°C.
Rainfall in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand
Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have also recorded heavy snowfall and rain. In Himachal Pradesh, Kalpa received 65 mm of rain, Keylong 61 mm, Manali 54.4 mm, Solan 89 mm, Nahan 116.2 mm, Shimla 48.2 mm and Dharamsala 58.2 mm.
In Uttarakhand, Dehradun recorded 71.6 mm, Tehri 58.1 mm, Panthnagar 63.2 mm, Mukteshwar 60 mm, Nainital 59.5 mm, Haridwar 44.4 mm and Uttarkashi 41.5 mm of rain
As the system shifts eastwards, both Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are expected to witness more spells of rain and snow, according to the forecast by Skymet.
The system will move away by Wednesday but another Western Disturbance is likely to affect North India by Saturday, though it will not give as severe weather as the present system.
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.
