SRINAGAR, JAN 17: The Meteorological Department Srinagar has issued a comprehensive weather forecast on Saturday, alerting residents and authorities about an impending fresh wet spell that is likely to impact the Union Territory over the next week, with the possibility of heavy snowfall in several vulnerable regions.
Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the Meteorological Department, provided a detailed day-wise breakdown of the expected weather conditions. According to the forecast, January 17 and 18 are expected to witness partly to generally cloudy skies, with the possibility of light snowfall restricted to isolated higher reaches across the region.
The weather pattern is anticipated to intensify from January 19 to 20, when conditions are likely to turn generally cloudy with light to moderate rain and snowfall expected at scattered to fairly widespread locations throughout Jammu and Kashmir. This marks the beginning of more active precipitation across the Union Territory.
Dr Ahmad further informed that January 21 will continue to experience partly to generally cloudy conditions, though snowfall during this period is expected to remain light and confined to isolated higher elevations.
A significant shift in weather dynamics is forecast from the evening of January 22, with the system intensifying considerably. The Meteorological Department predicts generally cloudy conditions accompanied by light to moderate rain or snowfall at most places across the Union Territory between January 23 and 24. Notably, there is a strong possibility of heavy rain or snowfall affecting several districts of the strategically important Chenab Valley, the Pir Panjal range, and various parts of south Kashmir during this critical 48-hour window.
The wet spell is expected to gradually taper off by January 26, when light rain or snowfall is likely at scattered locations across the region, Dr Ahmad added.
Issuing a comprehensive advisory in light of the impending weather system, the Meteorological Department has specifically warned about the possibility of heavy precipitation in vulnerable areas of the Chenab Valley, Pir Panjal range, and south Kashmir. The department has also cautioned about gusty winds expected at several locations and highlighted the heightened risk of landslides in geologically vulnerable zones, particularly along highway corridors and mountainous areas.
Travelers have been strongly advised to exercise extreme caution and plan their journeys carefully, particularly during the peak precipitation period of January 23 and 24. The department has urged commuters to strictly adhere to traffic advisories and administrative directives issued by relevant authorities to ensure safety and minimize disruption.
The agricultural community has also been advised to suspend all farming and horticultural operations during the forecasted wet spell to prevent damage to crops and ensure the safety of farm workers.
The forecast comes at a time when the region is experiencing typical winter conditions, and the expected precipitation could significantly impact transportation networks, daily life, and economic activities across the Union Territory. Authorities are expected to remain on high alert to manage any potential emergencies arising from the adverse weather conditions.
