Fresh Western Disturbance to affect Jammu and Kashmir from evening, Rain and snowfall expected, heavier snow limited to higher reaches

Fresh Western Disturbance to affect Jammu and Kashmir from evening, Rain and snowfall expected, heavier snow limited to higher reaches

Srinagar, Jan 26, CNS: A fresh Western Disturbance is set to influence Jammu and Kashmir from Monday evening, bringing a spell of rain and snowfall across several parts of the region, officials said.

Under the impact of the system, light to moderate precipitation is expected in many areas, while moderate to locally heavy snowfall is likely to occur mainly at higher elevations. Officials said the weather system is not very strong but is active enough to trigger snowfall in upper reaches.

For the plains, snowfall chances exist as precipitation is expected to begin during the night hours. However, officials said the probability of significant snow accumulation across most plain areas remains low. Accumulation will largely depend on the nature of snowfall during the night.

If temperatures remain around 3 to 4 degrees Celsius, snowfall accumulation in plains is expected to be limited or unlikely. At present, snowfall probability for plains is estimated at around 50 percent, while chances of noticeable accumulation stand at about 30 to 40 percent.

Officials said the likelihood of dry snow is around 30 to 40 percent across north and central Kashmir plains. However, areas of south Kashmir, particularly Shopian and Kulgam districts closer to the Pir Panjal range, have a higher probability, estimated at 60 to 70 percent, of receiving dry snow with better accumulation.

Snowfall is also likely in the Chenab Valley, Poonch district, and along the Qazigund to Banihal stretch. Other areas are expected to witness rainfall during the weather spell.

As far as wind conditions are concerned, officials said some areas may experience brief gusty winds, but strong or prolonged winds are not expected with this Western Disturbance. (CNS