Min temp in Kashmir rises, but still below freezing point

Administration issues weather advisory; Western Disturbance likely to affect JK from Dec 11-13

08/12/2017

SRINAGAR, Dec 7: Night temperatures across Kashmir division, including Ladakh region, increased last night, but continued to stay below the freezing point, even as the MeT Department said a western disturbance would affect the state next week and warned of heavy rains and snowfall.
A Meteorological Department official said Srinagar recorded a low of minus 2.7 degrees Celsius last night - up by 0.6 degrees from the previous night, while the mercury in Qazigund in south Kashmir settled at a low of minus 1.4 degrees Celsius up from minus 1.8 degrees Celsius the previous night.
He said Kokernag, the only place across the Valley and Ladakh region where the night temperature stayed above the freezing point, recorded a low of 1.3 degrees Celsius up from 0.7 degrees Celsius yesterday.
Kupwara town in north Kashmir registered a minimum temperature of minus 2.7 degrees Celsius, slightly up from the previous night's minus 3 degrees Celsius, the official said.
Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 2.5 degrees Celsius, over a degree up from the previous night's minus 3.8 degrees Celsius.
The MeT official said Pahalgam, which serves as one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath Yatra, registered a minimum of minus 1.3 degrees Celsius compared to the previous night's minus 2 degrees Celsius.
Leh, in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 12 degrees Celsius last night, he said, adding Kargil town recorded a low of minus 7 degrees Celsius.
According to the MeT department, the weather is likely to remain dry in the Valley till December 10 and a fresh western disturbance is most likely to affect the state from December 11 to 15.
"Under the influence of this system, moderate to heavy rain or snow is expected at widespread places of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh region. The main activity of this system (moderate to heavy rainfall or snowfall) is likely to occur from December 12 to 13 and gradually decrease thereafter," the official said.
This would be the first major wet spell for the state during this season, he said, adding there would be significant fall in the day temperature and slight rise in night temperature.
Meanwhile, Divisional Administration Kashmir Thursday issued weather advisory according to which moderate to heavy snow is expected at most places in the State from December 11 to December 13, 2017.
"A western disturbance is approaching J&K and adjoining areas. This system is likely to affect J&K from 9th December onwards and produce moderate to heavy snowfall on 11, 12 and 13 December."
The advisory asked concerned Deputy Commissioners of Kashmir Division have been asked to take all the precautionary measures in their respective districts.
"Therefore, it is enjoined upon all Deputy Commissioners, all concerned head of departments and district superintendents of police to activate their manpower and machinery and to be in a state of preparedness, so as to minimize disruption of essential services, road connectivity at the earliest, restoring electric supply, water supply, healthcare services etc," reads the advisory.
According to the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan, Sonamarg-Gumri road shall remain closed for vehicular traffic in view of the snowfall in higher reaches and slippery road condition on either side of Zojila Pass.
The Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri road (Zojila Pass), which connects Kashmir valley with the Ladakh region, will remain closed from December 10, 2017 for all types of vehicles until further notice.

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