Srinagar, Jan 16: A weak Western Disturbance is set to impact Jammu and Kashmir from late Friday afternoon, ushering in a brief spell of light snowfall over higher reaches and bringing cloudy conditions across the plains, weather observers said.
Director MeT Mukhtar Ahmad said that light snowfall is likely over upper reaches, including Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg, along with key mountain passes, during the latter part of the day and evening hours. The plains of the Kashmir Valley may witness overcast skies, with the possibility of light rain or very light snowfall at isolated locations.
He said the current system is weak in nature and its impact will be short-lived, mainly affecting higher elevations. Day temperatures are expected to dip slightly, while night temperatures may fall marginally in areas receiving fresh snow.
More significant weather activity is, however, lined up in the coming days. A moderate Western Disturbance is forecast to affect the region from January 19 to January 21, which may bring more widespread snowfall over the upper reaches and light to moderate precipitation in middle and lower elevations.
Even more notably, the season’s first strong Western Disturbance is expected to influence Jammu and Kashmir between January 22 and January 26. Director MeT said this system could mark the most intense winter spell of the season so far, with the likelihood of widespread snowfall across higher and middle reaches and prolonged cold conditions across the Valley.
If the stronger system materializes as projected, it may lead to temporary disruptions on key highways and mountain passes, while also strengthening the winter snowpack in alpine areas, an important factor for water resources in the coming months.
Authorities are keeping a close watch on the evolving weather pattern and have advised locals, especially those in higher reaches, to remain prepared for changing conditions over the next ten days. [KNT]
