Srinagar- The Meteorological Department has forecast generally dry weather across Jammu and Kashmir till the end of January, with light rain and snowfall likely at a few places on Wednesday.
According to the forecast, January 29 to 31 is expected to remain largely dry, though skies may turn cloudy towards the evening of January 31.
The weather from February 1 to 2 is likely to be generally cloudy, with light to moderate rain or snowfall at scattered to fairly widespread places. From February 3 to 6, skies are expected to remain partly cloudy across the region.
In view of the forecast, authorities have issued advisories urging travellers and transporters to confirm road and highway conditions from concerned traffic departments before undertaking journeys. Farmers have been advised to suspend farm operations, while the general public has been cautioned against visiting snowbound and avalanche-prone higher reaches.
The Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Disaster Management Authority has issued a high-level avalanche warning for areas above 2,000 metres in Bandipora, Ganderbal, and Kupwara over the next 24 hours.
Residents and visitors have been asked to strictly follow official advisories and avoid risky areas. Authorities said weather conditions could affect transport and daily activities, particularly in higher-altitude regions. In case of emergencies, people have been advised to dial 112.
Meanwhile, the night temperature plunged several degrees below the freezing point at most places in Kashmir on Tuesday. Srinagar, however, recorded warmer-than-expected night temperature — 0.1 degrees Celsius — a notch above the season’s normal.
Srinagar city and Baramulla town (at 0.4 degrees Celsius) were the only places in Kashmir where the night temperature settled above the freezing point.
Gulmarg and Sonamarg were the coldest places in the valley, both recording a low of minus 9.8 degrees Celsius.
Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 6.4 degrees Celsius.
The minimum temperature in Qazigund settled at minus 4.3 degrees, while Kokernag recorded a low of minus 2.6 degrees and Kupwara minus 0.7 degrees Celsius.
Avalanche Warning For 3 Districts
Meanwhile the Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority (JKUTDMA) has issued a high-level avalanche warning for areas above 2,000 metres in Bandipora, Ganderbal, and Kupwara over the next 24 hours.
Residents and visitors have been advised to avoid avalanche-prone areas and strictly follow official advisories. In case of emergencies, people have been asked to dial 112.
The Meteorological Department has also cautioned that prevailing weather conditions could impact transport and daily activities, particularly in higher-altitude regions, and urged the public to exercise caution.
Meanwhile, Ganderbal Police said an avalanche occurred late Tuesday night at around 10.15 pm near the New Truck Yard area of Sonamarg.
In a statement, police said the impact was minimal and no loss of life or property was reported. A police team, along with the State Disaster Response Force, rushed to the area to assess the situation.
Authorities said the situation is being closely monitored and precautionary measures have been put in place to ensure public safety. Police have advised the general public, tourists, and transporters to strictly avoid visiting or halting in avalanche-prone areas.
Officials warned that avalanche risk remains very high and unnecessary movement in vulnerable zones could pose serious danger. People have been urged to follow official advisories, cooperate with local authorities, and prioritise safety while travelling along the Sonamarg axis and adjoining areas.
