Srinagar- Jammu and Kashmir is set to witness dry weather during the daytime on Republic Day, providing favourable conditions for official functions and public celebrations across the Union Territory, weather experts said on Sunday.
Weather observer Sonam Lotus said there will be no rain or snowfall during the daytime on January 26, which is expected to allow smooth conduct of Republic Day celebrations across the Union Territory. However, he cautioned that weather conditions are likely to deteriorate soon after.
“There will be no snowfall or rainfall today and during the daytime on January 26. From late night of January 26 till January 27, higher reaches may receive heavy snowfall, while plains could see moderate snowfall. Weather is likely to improve from January 28,” Lotus said.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department has also forecast a change in weather and issued an advisory, warning of rain and snowfall accompanied by strong winds and reduced visibility.
According to the forecast, light rain or snowfall is likely at isolated places on January 25. January 26 and 27 are expected to remain generally cloudy till the evening of Republic Day, followed by light to moderate rain or snowfall at most places. The department has warned that a few areas may experience moderate to heavy precipitation, thunder, and gusty winds.
The MeT has advised travellers and transporters to check road and highway conditions before undertaking journeys, particularly on high altitude routes. Farmers have been asked to suspend farm operations till January 28, while residents of snow bound higher reaches have been advised to avoid travel to slippery and avalanche prone areas.
The department said an active Western Disturbance is affecting the region and may lead to heavy snowfall in upper reaches of both the Kashmir Valley and parts of the Jammu region. Officials warned that the system could result in traffic disruptions, reduced visibility, and an increased risk of landslides and avalanches in vulnerable areas.
Authorities have asked people to follow official advisories and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense snowfall and adverse weather conditions, even as preparations for Republic Day celebrations continue across Jammu and Kashmir.
NH Restored Partially
Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) has been partially restored, and efforts are underway to clear stranded vehicles between the Navyug Tunnel and Nashri Tunnel, officials said on Saturday.
However, the Mughal Road, Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumri (SSG) Road and Sinthan Road remain closed due to prevailing weather conditions, they said.
Traffic authorities have advised commuters not to pay heed to rumours and to verify road status through official Traffic Control Units (TCUs).
Commuters can contact TCU Jammu, Srinagar and Ramban for latest updates, officials added.
Meanwhile, light snow and rain were reported at Srinagar Airport, where minor snow accumulation was observed at the apron area. Airport authorities said continuous snow clearance operations are underway.
“Flight operations are presently underway, but some flights may experience delays,” officials said, advising passengers to stay in touch with their respective airlines for real-time updates.
The advisory was issued at around 7:45 am from Srinagar Airport, officials said.
CM Advises Avoiding Non-Essential Travel
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday reviewed the condition of the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway and advised people to avoid non-essential travel over the next three days in view of the forecast of fresh snowfall.
The Chief Minister said snow clearance operations were progressing at a rapid pace and electricity supply had been restored in most areas affected by the recent snowfall. He added that the administration was closely monitoring the situation to minimise inconvenience to commuters.
Omar, who spent the last three days in Kashmir assessing the impact of snowfall, travelled by road to Jammu, where he is scheduled to attend the main Republic Day function at Maulana Azad Road as the chief guest.
Stopping at Banihal along the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, Omar said he had reviewed the situation on the ground and interacted with local representatives. He said the snowfall, though causing some inconvenience, was much needed after a prolonged dry spell.
He said Jammu and Kashmir had witnessed a severe drought after December, which has now been broken by the snowfall. The Chief Minister said this would help prevent water shortages during the coming summer months.
Referring to the closure of the highway on Friday and its partial reopening on Sunday, Omar urged people to avoid travelling on January 26, 27 and 28 unless absolutely necessary to prevent commuters from getting stranded.
He said that while efforts would be made to reopen the highway as early as possible, public cooperation was essential during adverse weather conditions.
On power supply, the Chief Minister said the entire Union Territory is facing electricity shortages due to limited availability, resulting in scheduled power cuts. However, he said the transmission and distribution infrastructure has been significantly strengthened.
Omar said the administration aims to eliminate power shortages completely over the next one to two years to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to residents.
On the upcoming budget, he said it would be presented on February 6 and assured that the government would strive to present a people-friendly budget.
