Srinagar: The weather office here Monday forecast moderate to heavy snowfall across the Valley Thursday and Friday, as a Western Disturbance (WD) approaches.
Sonam Lotus, director of the local MET office told: “Because of an approaching WD we are expecting moderate snowfall in the plains and rather heavy snow in the higher reaches of the Valley, especially on Jan 18.
“Cloudiness will start increasing from Jan 16 as the WD is expected to become active over the state Jan 17 and 18.”
WDs are extra tropical storms in the Mediterranean Sea, which result in sudden rain and snowfall in India, Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Prospects of the rabi crop depend on WDs.
Despite an intense cold wave sweeping the Valley during the ongoing 40-day harsh period of winter known locally as ‘Chillai Kalan’, Kashmir is yet to witness a major snowfall that could replenish perennial water reservoirs in the mountains.
The Valley’s rivers, lakes, springs and streams depend for their summer discharge on these perennial water reservoirs.
The minimum temperature was 1.6 degrees Celsius in Srinagar Monday.
It was zero degrees in Pahalgam, minus 8.6 in Gulmarg, minus 15.2 in Leh and minus 16.4 in Kargil towns.
-IANS
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by authors, news service providers on this page do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Hill Post. Any views or opinions are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, or individual.
Hill Post makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site page.
