Srinagar- Jammu and Kashmir is set to witness a significant change in weather conditions after a prolonged dry spell, with two Western Disturbances expected to affect the region in quick succession over the next few days, officials said.
The dry conditions have left Jammu and Kashmir reeling under a rainfall deficit of about 96 per cent so far this month, raising concerns over water availability, agriculture and horticulture.
According to an advisory issued by the Meteorological Centre, the first and more intense Western Disturbance is likely to impact the region and adjoining areas from January 22 to 24, with peak activity expected on January 23. A second, comparatively moderate system is forecast from the night of January 26 to the forenoon of January 28, peaking on January 27.
Under the influence of these systems, widespread light to moderate rain and snowfall is expected across Jammu and Kashmir, with heavy precipitation at isolated places, particularly during the peak activity days, the advisory said.
The MeT department said the first system is most likely to cause heavy rainfall and snowfall over the Pir Panjal range, including parts of the Chenab Valley in Jammu division, as well as the middle and higher reaches of south Kashmir. Areas likely to be affected include Anantnag, Pahalgam, Kulgam, Shopian, Pir Ki Gali, Gulmarg, Sonamarg–Zojila axis, Bandipora–Razdan Pass, Kupwara–Sadhna Pass, and the 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, shared with the Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu for preparedness, warned of possible disruption to surface and air transport, including traffic on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway and other major roads in middle and higher altitude areas. There is also a likelihood of landslides, mudslides and gusty winds ranging between 40 and 60 kmph at vulnerable locations.
In view of the forecast, travellers, tourists and transporters have been advised to plan their journeys carefully. Residents of snow-bound areas have been cautioned against venturing into avalanche-prone and steep zones, while farmers have been advised to suspend irrigation, fertiliser application and chemical spray operations during the period.
Officials said the upcoming spell of rain and snowfall is expected to bring much-needed relief from the prevailing dry conditions across Jammu and Kashmir.
