Entire Kashmir valley has received the heaviest snowfall of the season. A blanket of snow covers Doda, Rajouri, Poonch, Baramulla and Srinagar which experienced snowfall for 4th consecutive day and heaviest of all in the past 48 hours. The tourist resort of Gulmarg and Pahalgam registered heavy snowfall and the entry points of the valley, Banihal and Qazigund clocked the heaviest spell of this season. Ladakh has gone sub-zero even during day time and maximum temperature at Leh, Kargil, Skardu and Nubra are below freezing point at -1°C, -2°C, -3°C and -1°C respectively.
Inclement weather conditions are likely to persist for the next 3-4 days albeit with marginal relief. A fresh western disturbance will reach Jammu and Kashmir on 7th January evening and actively last till 8th January. Following 6-7 days will experience better weather conditions with possible sunshine at most places including Srinagar. Absence of clouds will bring back the cold wave condition possibly severe at places. Second harsh spell of ‘Chillai Kalan’ will be stronger than the previous one and will freeze the water bodies again. Disruption of traffic due to blocked roads and highways will ease out to restore normal.
The prolonged wet spell has piled up a huge mound of snow at most places. The mid and higher reaches have piled up stacks of snow which may turn dangerous in clear weather conditions. A rise in day temperatures loosens the grip and snow mountains can roll down the slopes in the form of an avalanche. Accumulated snow succumbs under its own weight and slides down the hill like a river of ice. This huge mass of ice drag trees, rocks and mud and carries the dangerous potential of burying underneath any structure resulting in loss of life and property. Rescue missions as such are challenging under such ravaging conditions. Utmost caution needs to be exercised by the tourists, locals and resources positioned for safeguarding assets including military personnel.
