Weather Update: MeT Forecasts Rain, Snow in Kashmir During Weekend, Traffic To Be Affected.

Meteorological Department has forecast for widespread moderate rain and snow on weekend in Kashmir.

Kashmir is presently under the grip of 40-day long harshest period of winter, known locally as ‘Chillai Kalan, which started from December 21. It is followed by a 20-day long ‘Chillai Khurd’ and a 10-day-long ‘Chilla Bachha’.

Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 7.5°C against minus 5.0°C on previous night, he said. The temperature was 2.7°C above normal for this time of the year in the famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

Pahalgam, the famous resort in south Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 2.4°C against minus 0.6°C last night, he said.

Qazigund, the gateway town of Kashmir, recorded a low of 1.6°C against 0.7°C on the previous night, he said.

Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, recorded a low of 0.4°C against minus 0.1°C on the previous night, the official said.

Kupwara town in north Kashmir recorded a low of 1.2°C , same as on the previous two nights, the official said.

As per the officials, an active Western Disturbance is most likely to cause widespread moderate rain/snow in J&K during 22-23rd January which may cause temporarily disruptions in surface and air transportation.