Snowfall in Jammu & Kashmir is likely to reduce making the weather cold and dry again for the next few days. After recording above average minimums for the last few days, the night temperature in the capital Srinagar could again touch sub-zero levels. And the northerly winds from the areas that had received snow will become dominant, adding to the chill.
The Western Disturbance has moved out of the region after giving widespread snowfall. Now there isn't any weather system in view for the next two to three days due to which temperatures will fall marginally bringing back cold wave like conditions in the Kashmir valley.
Thick cover of snow that had led to Jawahar tunnel being closed has been cleared for traffic. The National Highway that connects Jammu with Srinagar has also opened for vehicular movement. The Highway had to be closed on Wednesday due to heavy snowfall and slippery conditions. About 900 vehicles were stranded on the highway at various places in Nagrota, Sidhra, Jakhani, Udhampur, Kud, Chenani, Ramban, Banihal and Jawahar tunnel during the inclement weather. According to media reports, power has also been restored in major areas of Jammu & Kashmir. Since Tuesday there were problems of power cuts in the state due to heavy snowfall.
Due to the lack of a weather system (WD), the cold condition in the hills will travel up to the plains of North India, pulling down the night temperatures by 2 to 3°C. Winds will be icy cold and will pick up speed during the day due to high pressure gradient.
Days are expected to be sunny in the northwest plains. However, fog will continue to create havoc during early morning hours, hampering rail, road and air traffic.
