Owais Gul
Srinagar, Jan 3: Dense fog engulfed Kashmir Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir and other parts on Friday ahead of the forecast of a major three-day snow spell in the Union Territory from Saturday, which is expected to affect the surface traffic.
A thick layer of fog enveloped Kashmir parts this morning, delaying the flight operations at Srinagar International Airport.
Although no flight was cancelled, the operation of multiple flights was delayed this morning as the visibility fell to about 300 metres, Director Srinagar Airport, Javed Anjum said.
Meanwhile, as per the forecast, Jammu and Kashmir would likely witness a three-day wet spell from tomorrow. “Moderate to strong WD is expected and under its influence, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain in plains of Jammu and snow at most places of J&K with peak activity during 4th (Night) to 5th (late Night) and 6th morning & improvement from the afternoon,” Director MeT, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, said.
He added that generally cloudy and dry weather is expected on January 7-10, adding that from January 11-12th, generally cloudy weather is expected with possibility of light snow at isolated places.
According to him, the weather is expected to remain generally dry from January 13 to 15.
In its advisory, the MeT has said that in view of fresh snowfall, sub-freezing temperature & icy conditions over roads in plains and higher reaches, the tourists, travelers and transporters are advised to plan accordingly & follow administration and traffic advisory. “There is a possibility of heavy snow at isolated higher reaches during 4th night to 5th late night,” the advisory reads.
Furthermore, the night temperature improved at multiple places across the Valley. Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 2.2 degree Celsius while Kupwara recorded a minimum temperature of 1.6 degree Celsius.
However, Gulmarg, a famous ski-resort, recorded a low of minus 4.5 degree Celsius while Pahalgam, a famous tourist destination recorded a minimum temperature of minus 4.6 degree Celsius. Qazigund, a gateway of Kashmir, has recorded a low of minus 7.3 degree Celsius while Kokernag in South Kashmir recorded minus 5.5 degree Celsius.
