Amid prolonged dry spell that has left region reeling under a staggering 96 per cent rainfall deficit so far this month, weather conditions are set to change significantly with two Western Disturbances expected to affect Jammu and Kashmir in quick succession in next few days.
According to a weather advisory issued by the Meteorological Centre here, the first and more intense system is likely to impact J&K and adjoining areas during January 22–24, with peak activity on January 23. The second, comparatively moderate system is expected from the night of January 26 to the forenoon of January 28, peaking on January 27, the advisory, a copy of which lies with GNS, said.
Under the influence of these systems, widespread light to moderate rainfall and snowfall is expected across the region, with heavy rain/snow at isolated places, particularly during the peak activity days.
The MeT department said the first system is most likely to cause heavy snowfall and rainfall over the Pir Panjal range, including the Chenab Valley in Jammu Division and the middle and higher reaches of South Kashmir, covering areas such as Anantnag, Pahalgam, Kulgam, Shopian, Pir Ki Gali, Gulmarg, Sonamarg–Zojila axis, Bandipora–Razdan Pass, Kupwara–Sadhna Pass, and districts of Doda, Udhampur, Reasi, Kishtwar and Ramban. Similar impacts, though of moderate to heavy intensity, are expected during the second system as well.
The advisory, submitted to Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu by MeT department for information and necessary preparedness, warns of possible disruption to surface and air transport, including the Jammu–Srinagar Highway and other major roads in middle and higher reaches of &K. There is also a likelihood of landslides, mudslides and gusty winds ranging from 40 to 60 kmph at vulnerable locations, it said.
In view of the forecast, travelers, tourists and transporters have been advised to plan their journeys carefully. People living in snow-bound areas have been cautioned against venturing into sloppy and avalanche-prone zones, while farmers have been advised to suspend irrigation, fertilizer application and chemical spray activities during the period.
The upcoming spell of rain and snowfall is expected to provide much-needed relief from the prevailing dry conditions, which have raised concerns over water availability, agriculture and horticulture across Jammu and Kashmir.
