| Fresh WD hits J&K; widespread rain, snow predicted for next 24 hours | | | Early Times Report
Srinagar, Nov 21: Widespread rain and snow would occur during the next 24 hours under the influence of a fresh Western Disturbance (WD), which is active in the region, resulting in further dip in the maximum temperature.
However, the night temperature improved and settled above normal across Kashmir valley.
A Met department spokesperson told that a fresh WD, which originated from the Arabian Sea and is approaching the region though Afghanistan and Pakistan, hit the region on Thursday afternoon. "Under the influence of this WD, widespread light to heavy snowfall would occur during the next 24 hours in the valley," he said.
He said Kupwara and Baramulla will be the most affected districts, which will receive moderate to heavy snowfall for two days from Thursday. "World famous ski resort of Gulmarg, which is under several feet of snow, will also witnesses moderate to heavy snowfall," he said.
The spokesperson said that the WD will then travel to south Kashmir and would result in light to moderate snowfall in upper reaches and rain in plains.
After witnessing an improvement in the night temperature due to overcast conditions, people woke up to a chilly Thursday morning in the summer capital, Srinagar. The night temperature improved and settled at 4.5 degree, which is about 4 degree above normal.
But, the day temperature dipped further and settled several degrees below normal in the city due to cloudy skies, coupled with ice cold winds.
He said the maximum temperature recorded on Wednesday in the city was over 3 degrees below normal.
Weather was chilly at world famous resort of Gulmarg, where the ski slopes are under several feet of snow, as the sky were cloudy. The night temperature in the ski resort settled at 1.6 degree, which is above normal. "It is very cold on Thursday in this ski resort, but tourists are out on ski slopes enjoying different snow related activities," a hotelier told over the phone.
He said Gulmarg is famous for its ski slopes and the quality of snow and tourists' come here every year during winter season. "We are hopeful that the tourist footfall will increase as the winter sets in," he added.
The day temperature dipped further and settled below normal in tourist resort of Kokernag, Kupwara in north Kashmir and Qazigund, gateway to the valley.
The mercury during the day further dipped in world famous health resort of Pahalgam, about 100 km from here in south Kashmir, though the minimum temperature remained above normal. Pahalgam, which acts as a base camp for annual Amarnath yatra every year during summers, is also under several feet of snow. |
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