Dense fog, unbearable cold in Jammu

Jammu, Jan 11: The dense fog cover coupled with the unbearable cold conditions throws normal life out of gear, while frequent power cuts add to the misery of people in Jammu.
Air and rail operation remained hit on the fourth consecutive day due to dense blanket of fog gripped Jammu on Wednesday while movement on roads also registered snail pace and long traffic jams due to fog and many under construction roads.
Vehicles moved at snail’s pace on the road with headlights on to avoid any untoward like incident due to fog.
As per the weathermen, the foggy weather conditions will prevail for a few more days while the chilling weather conditions continue as fresh western disturbances likely to hit after with weather is expected to improve after January 15.
“Due to fog, flight operation also remained affected,” the Jammu Airport official said. He added that no flight took off in the morning due to poor visibility. Meanwhile a senior railway official said that the trains are arriving 3 to 4 hours late from their scheduled time as the rail operation is badly affected due to dense fog in northern parts of the country.
However, a weatherman said that snowing at Sonmarg, Gulmarg and other higher reaches of Kashmir, light rain in plains of North and Central Kashmir and cloudy and Fog in plains of Jammu.
“There will be a gradual increase in intensity and distribution of snow and rain as the day progresses with main activity towards evening and night. Some places, mainly higher reaches may receive heavy snowfall,” he said and forecast widespread light to moderate rain in plains of Jammu tomorrow and weather will be mainly dry from January 14 to 17.
In view of prevailing harsh cold conditions, the administration already extended winter vacations in schools till January 16. Many schools are conducting online classes for primary wings.
Jammu recorded maximum temperature 11.5 degree Celsius and minimum temperature 9.5 degree Celsius.
People in plains of Jammu especially the roadside vendors were seen burning firewood and charcoal to protect themselves from chill while the business houses have installed warmers and electric heaters to provide respite to the visitors from the harsh weather. (KNO)