SRINAGAR: Two back-to-back Western Disturbances are expected to affect Jammu and Kashmir between Saturday night and Tuesday, bringing rain and snowfall mainly to higher reaches, while plains are likely to witness light rainfall, according to Kashmir Weather.
According to the Kashmir Weather, the weather is expected to remain dry and cloudy across J&K on December 18 and 19. On December 20, conditions will stay mostly dry, though a few higher-reach areas may record a light spell of snowfall, particularly along the Sonamarg–Drass axis and in the upper reaches of Bandipora and Kupwara.
The first Western Disturbance is likely to start impacting the region from Saturday night (December 20), while a second system is expected to merge with it on Monday (December 22) and persist till Tuesday afternoon (December 23).
Rain and snowfall activity is expected to commence from Saturday night onwards, initially over higher reaches, with peak activity likely on Sunday or Monday. Current analysis suggests that higher reaches of north Kashmir will be the most affected, especially the upper areas of Kupwara district, reported news agency Kashmir Dot Com.
Snowfall over higher elevations is expected to range from light to heavy, with heavy snowfall mainly confined to the higher reaches of Kupwara. Snowfall may also extend to higher areas of Bandipora, Ganderbal, and Baramulla. Tourist destinations including Gulmarg and Sonamarg are also expected to receive snowfall, with conditions favourable for light to moderate accumulation.
Overall, the intensity of the weather system is expected to remain light to moderate. Plains are likely to receive light rainfall, with moderate rain possible in some areas. Due to relatively higher temperatures, snowfall over plain areas appears unlikely, and the first major snow spell in low-lying areas may be delayed.
For the Jammu region, the forecast indicates mostly cloudy weather with light rainfall over the plains, light to moderate rainfall over middle reaches, and light to moderate snowfall over higher reaches.
Meanwhile, flight operations are not expected to be affected by the weather system. The disturbances are also likely to result in a significant drop in air pollution levels, providing short-term relief and reducing the risk of forest fires. Authorities said updates will be issued based on real-time ground observations. (KDC)