As Kashmir continued to reel under sub-zero temperatures, the Meteorological Department has forecast snowfall over the higher reaches during the next 24 hours.

“The snowfall is very likely over the higher reaches of Kupwara and Bandipora districts, including Razdan Top, Gurez and the Tulail Valley. Snow is also expected in Ganderbal’s Sonamarg and adjoining areas along the Sonamarg–Drass axis, besides Anantnag’s Pahalgam region, including Chandanwari and the Aru Valley,” a MeT official said.
“On January 17 and 18, weather is expected to be partly to generally cloudy, with light snowfall at isolated higher reaches,” he said.
“From January 19 to 20, generally cloudy conditions are likely with light to moderate rain or snowfall at scattered to fairly widespread places. January 21 is expected to see partly to generally cloudy weather with light snow at isolated higher reaches,” the MeT official said.
The MeT also predicted a wet spell from January 22 to 25, with generally cloudy conditions and light to moderate rain or snowfall at most places.
There is also a possibility of heavy rain or snowfall over a few districts of the Chenab Valley, the Pir Panjal range and parts of south Kashmir during January 23 and 24. On January 26, light rain or snow is likely at scattered places.
The MeT today issued an advisory warning of the possibility of heavy rain or snowfall in some areas, particularly in the Chenab Valley, Pir Panjal range and south Kashmir districts. It has also cautioned about the risk of landslides at vulnerable locations.
Travellers have been advised to plan their journeys carefully in view of the expected wet spell on January 23 and 24, and to strictly follow traffic and administrative advisories.
Farmers have been advised to suspend farm operations during this period.
Meanwhile, night temperatures across Kashmir remained below freezing, with several places recording sub-zero minimums.
Srinagar registered a low of –1.5°C, while Qazigund settled at –1.6°C.
The tourist resort Pahalgam in south Kashmir recorded a minimum temperature of –2.6°C, and Kupwara logged –1.4°C.
In the ski resort of Gulmarg, night temperature settled at –2.3°C.
Pulwama recorded a low of –4.6°C, Shopian –3.9°C and Sonamarg recorded a minimum temperature of –1.6°C.