In Jammu and Kashmir, the minimum temperatures across the Union Territory showed mixed trends on Wednesday compared to the previous day, with several places in the Kashmir Valley recording a slight rise in night temperatures, while parts of the Jammu region and higher reaches witnessed a further dip, even as the weatherman predicted rain and snowfall from today. The Weather Department issued an advisory warning that two western disturbances in quick succession are likely to affect J&K and adjoining areas from today to January 24 and again from the night of January 26 to the forenoon of January 28.
In the Kashmir region, Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 2.4 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, up from minus 3.4 degrees a day earlier. The temperature at Srinagar Airport also rose by one degree, settling at minus 3.4 degrees Celsius compared to minus 4.4 degrees on Tuesday. Pahalgam remained largely unchanged, recording minus 3.8 degrees compared to minus 4.0 degrees the previous day. Gulmarg marginally improved from minus 5.5 degrees to minus 5.0 degrees, while Sonamarg recorded a rise from minus 6.2 degrees to minus 5.5 degrees Celsius.
In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded a marginal fall from 7.4 degrees to 7.2 degrees. Banihal recorded a further dip, with the minimum temperature falling from minus 1.6 degrees to minus 2.3 degrees Celsius. Bhaderwah also saw a decline from minus 1.2 degrees to minus 1.8 degrees. According to the weather advisory, the first western disturbance, expected to be intense, will impact the region between today and January 24, with peak activity on January 23. The second system, of moderate intensity, is likely to affect the UT from the night of January 26, with peak activity on January 27.
Under the influence of these systems, widespread light to moderate rain and snowfall is expected across J&K, with heavy rainfall or snowfall at isolated places, particularly over the Pir Panjal range, including the Chenab Valley of Jammu division, and the middle and higher reaches of south Kashmir. The IMD said the weather systems may lead to disruption of surface and air transport, including the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and other major roads in the middle and higher reaches of the Union Territory. There is also a possibility of landslides, mudslides and gusty winds with speeds of 40-60 kmph at vulnerable locations.
Travellers, tourists and transporters have been advised to plan their movement accordingly, while residents of snow-bound areas have been asked to avoid venturing into avalanche-prone zones.
