Widespread Rain, Snow Likely In J&K From Nov 12

Srinagar, Nov 10: Director Meteorological Department J&K, Mukhtar Ahmad on Tuesday said the ongoing dry spell in Jammu and Kashmir is likely to end with a moderate Western Disturbance approaching from November 12.

Speaking to news agency, Mukhtar Ahmad said the weather has remained continuously dry for the past several spells, with temperatures remaining on the higher side due to dry conditions.

He said a feeble Western Disturbance is approaching today, due to which partly cloudy weather is expected towards late afternoon or evening, with chances of light snowfall in a few higher reaches for a brief period. However, no significant activity is expected today and tomorrow.

From November 12, a moderate Western Disturbance is approaching, which may cause widespread rainfall and snowfall in hilly areas. In some plain areas, there are also chances of moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds.

Similarly, hilly areas, especially the higher reaches of north Kashmir and central Kashmir, have moderate to heavy snowfall chances. Other hilly areas, particularly in south Kashmir, Pir Panjal range and Chenab Valley, might also experience light to moderate snowfall. A few middle reaches also have light snowfall chances during the spell between November 12 and 13.

From November 14 onwards, the weather is likely to clear up. There might be some cloudy weather or brief spells of light rain or light snow, but no significant activity is expected on November 14. From November 15 onwards, roughly till November 19 or 20, the weather will remain dry, he said.

On the reason for the continuous dry spell, Mukhtar Ahmad said the post-monsoon period has always remained dry, and climatologically, rainfall till December should be around 30 to 40 mm. “We have had rainfalls accordingly. More or less, there was a spell in October, and another spell around the 12th or 13th, so precipitation could remain near normal,” he said.

Issuing an advisory for the upcoming wet spell, he said temperatures might drop by about 5 to 6 degrees, up to 7 to 8 degrees, so there are high chances of slippery conditions on important passes and roads, especially in hilly areas like north Kashmir, central Kashmir, and even parts of south Kashmir such as Sinthan Top or Mughal Road.

To avoid any untoward incidents caused by slipperiness or low temperatures, people should plan their travel accordingly. Farmers who have already completed harvesting should try to safely store it during November 12 and 13. After November 14 and 15, they can resume their normal work, he added.(GNS)

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