Higher Reaches Receive Fresh Snowfall, Light Rain in Plains

Gulmarg and other highland areas in the Kashmir Valley have been adorned with fresh snowfall, while the plains received a gentle drizzle, as per officials from the Press Trust news agency. A robust Western Disturbance is poised to impact Jammu and Kashmir between February 18th and 20th, bringing with it the anticipation of moderate to very heavy rain and snowfall across the Union Territory.

Initially, the plains are expected to experience rainfall, potentially transitioning into snowfall by the evening of the 18th or on February 19th, particularly in north Kashmir. Central and south Kashmir plains may predominantly witness rain, yet the persistent heavy rainfall could precipitate snowfall due to evaporational cooling. Thus, the possibility of early snowfall cannot be entirely discounted.

Predicting precise snowfall amounts remains challenging, but the likelihood of snowfall varies across regions:

– North Kashmir: 65% chance of snowfall by the evening of the 18th or the following day.

– Central Kashmir: 40% chance of snowfall on the 18th evening or February 19th, contingent upon continuous heavy rainfall, with a similar scenario on the 20th.

– South Kashmir: 50% chance of snowfall on the 18th evening or February 19th, depending on sustained heavy rainfall, with a similar outlook for the 20th.

The impending snowfall is anticipated to be dense, potentially leading to significant accumulation and posing risks of damage. In the upper reaches of north Kashmir, snow accumulation over three days could range from 2 to 7 feet, while central and south Kashmir’s higher reaches might witness accumulations ranging from 1 foot to 5 feet.

Along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, there is a high likelihood of shooting stones and landslides, potentially causing disruptions. Travelers are advised to postpone their journeys between February 18th and 21st to mitigate risks associated with adverse weather conditions.