A couple of moderate to intense Western Disturbances are forecasted to impact Jammu Kashmir and its surrounding areas starting from the afternoon of February 17th, the MeT has said.
The wet spell is likely to extend until the afternoon of February 21st.
“This weather system is anticipated to bring significant changes in atmospheric conditions, particularly affecting different regions within the state,” MeT has predicted.
In the Kashmir Division, on February 17th, the sky is expected to be partly to generally cloudy with a likelihood of light snow at isolated higher reaches as the night progresses.
Moving to February 18th, the region will experience generally cloudy skies with the potential for light to moderate rain or snow at numerous locations.
The most significant impact is predicted for February 19th and 20th, with the possibility of light to moderate rain or snow expected across most areas, including plains and lower reaches.
Moreover, heavy snowfall is anticipated over the middle and higher reaches of districts such as Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Badgam, Shopian, and Kulgam, especially from the late afternoon of the 19th to the late night of the 20th.
By February 21st, conditions are expected to gradually improve, with a possibility of light to moderate snow at many places until the afternoon or late afternoon, followed by a reduction in precipitation.
Meanwhile, in the Jammu Division, the weather pattern will also undergo variations during this period. On February 18th, there’s a likelihood of light rain or snow at numerous locations. Moving forward, February 19th and 20th may bring intermittent light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning in the plains, along with snowfall over higher reaches. Heavy snowfall is expected over isolated higher reaches of Ramban, Poonch, Doda, and Kishtwar during this time frame.
On February 21st, a mix of light to moderate snow, rain, thunder, and lightning is forecasted over many places until late afternoon or evening, with gradual improvement afterward.
Considering the potential impacts of this weather system, it’s important to note several advisory points. Firstly, the system may lead to the temporary closure of roads in higher reaches and important passes such as Sinthan Pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna & Razdan Pass, and Zojila, among others.
Therefore, MeT has advised the travelers to plan their journeys accordingly.
Furthermore, MeT has asked farmers to take precautionary measures, including withholding irrigation and fertilizer application, as well as draining excess water from orchards and fields during this period.