A western disturbance of moderate intensity is going to bring widespread rain and snowfall across Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday and Wednesday, officials said.
They said that the Western Disturbance will start affecting the weather from 21 Feb (Monday) evening onwards. Under its influence, the plains of Kashmir valley are likely to receive light to moderate rains and snow.
Main intensity as per the current forecast is expected between the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday morning.
Due to cold winds associated with the system, there is also a possibility of snowfall in plains of the Valley. However, the intensity will remain light (or moderate spell is expected at a few places).
As per Kashmir Weather, an independent weather forecaster, Shopian and Kulgam may see good snow accumulations, of greater than 5 inches, especially in Shopian where it can touch up to 1 feet.
Upper reaches of both the districts are likely to receive heavy snowfall.
Heavy snowfall is also possible in the upper reaches of Bandipora (including Tulail and Gurez), upper reaches of Baramulla, Kupwara and Ganderbal.
Tourist places: Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg are likely to receive heavy snowfall.
Heavy snowfall at Mughal Road, Zojila and other higher passes will cause a further delay in the opening of these passes/roads.
Moderate to heavy snowfall is also possible at Jawahar Tunnel, Gool and other higher reaches of Ramban district.
Snowfall is also possible in the upper reaches of Kishtwar, Doda and Poonch districts.
Plains of Jammu region may see light to heavy rain showers. Parts of Reasi, Rajouri and Udhampur may see heavy spells of rain.
In Jammu (district), Rajouri, Kathua, Udhampur and Samba, windy weather is expected. There is also a possibility of thunderstorms in these areas along with gusty winds (up to 40km/h).
Day temperature across Jammu and Kashmir is expected to stay below the normal level by 2-11 degrees (especially on Wednesday).
In Kashmir Valley, the day temperature on Tuesday is expected to stay below 7°C at most places. On Wednesday, the temperature will remain below 5°C for most of the time (but in the late afternoon due to improvement in the weather, temperature may increase by a few degrees).
Air surface traffic may get affected, with the highest chances (>60%) on Wednesday morning.
There is also a possibility of shooting stones, along with the possibility of landslides, on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
In Kargil district, moderate to heavy snowfall is expected at many places on 22 & 23 February.
Bad weather may not allow the Kargil Courier Service on both days.
In Leh district, light snowfall is possible at many places.
Another Western Disturbance, of weak intensity, may bring light to moderate rains and snow at a few places on Thursday and Friday.
