Entire Kashmir valley along the banks of Jhelum river has been snowing since last night. Capital city of Jammu & Kashmir received season’s first snow today. Earlier, the blossom city eluded this much awaited event on Christmas and New Year. The current spell is expected to last a bit longer and therefore attract large footfall during the week.
The higher reaches of the state had received season’s early snow on 11Oct2021 covering Sonamarg, Zoji-la and Sadna Top. This region started snowing again last night wherein Ziji-la pass accumulated over 6” of snow. Sonamarg and Drass also gathered about 2-4” of snowfall and this has now extended to cover popular resorts of Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Srinagar. In the higher mountainous region, deposit of snow has resulted slippery conditions and disruption to the normal traffic. Clearance of roads is already underway, albeit snow skid chains have become essential for transportation to the elevated passes.
Srinagar airport and the Dal Lake area received about 7mm of rain in the past 24hr till 8.30am today and light rain and snow continue thereafter. Day temperature has dipped and the maximum is likely to remain under 5°C, a clear drop of 2-3°C from yesterday. Intermittent rain and snow is expected to continue for the next 48hr. On 6thJan, the city may breath a bit easy with only light to moderate rainfall. However, another western disturbance will arrive between 07th and 9thJan. This will increase the spread and intensity of snowfall in and around the capital city. Moderate to heavy snow is likely during this period with peak intensity on 08thJan.
The ongoing spell may result unsettled conditions resulting land slides and roadblocks. Disruption of road and air traffic appears likely. Visitors are advised to cater for inclement weather conditions till the weekend. Cold day and cold wave conditions are expected to intensify by mid week and remain in vogue till 10thJan.
