As two Western Disturbances are most likely to affect J&K and adjoining areas, weatherman on Saturday forecast an extended wet spell from afternoon of January 28 till February 3.

“A couple of moderate Western Disturbances most likely to affect J&K and adjoining areas from 28th afternoon onwards,” a meteorological department official said.
He said under the influence of weather systems, an extended wet spell from Sunday (afternoon) onwards till February 3 was most likely over J&K and adjoining areas.
“On January 28-29, there is possibility of light to moderate rain/snow at many places with heavy snowfall over isolated higher reaches of Kashmir (Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Shopian and Kulgam) during the night of January 28 late afternoon to January 29 late afternoon and evening,” the MeT official said.
He said on January 30-31, there is possibility of light to moderate rain and snow at many places with chances of “heavy snowfall” over few higher reaches (Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Shopian and Kulgam).
“From February 1-3, there is possibility of light to moderate rain and snow at many places. There is possibility of intermittent light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning in plains of Jammu Division with light snowfall over higher reaches and moderate snowfall over isolated higher reaches during 28th night to 3rd February (afternoon),” he said.
The MeT office issued advisory, saying that the system may lead to temporary closure of roads of higher reaches and important passes like Sinthan pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna and Razdan pass, Zojila etc. particularly during January 28-31.
Travellers have been advised to plan accordingly.
The farmers have been advised to withhold irrigation and fertilizer application and drain out excess water from orchards and fields during the period.
“A significant drop in day temperature is expected during the period,” he said.
The MeT official said Srinagar recorded night temperature of minus 2.3 degrees Celsius.
Qazigund recorded a minimum of 2.2 degrees Celsius while Pahalgam in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 5.1 degrees Celsius as against minus 0.4 degrees Celsius on the previous night.
Kokernag recorded a minimum of minus 0.8 degrees Celsius while Kupwara town in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 2.4 degrees Celsius.
The ski resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 6.4 degrees Celsius.
Kashmir is under ‘Chillai-Kalan’, the 40-day harsh period of winter. It , will end on January 31 and will be followed by a 20-day-long period called ‘Chillai-Khurd’ and a 10-day-long period ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold).