A MeT official said two back-to-back Western Disturbances (WDs) are expected to hit Jammu and Kashmir from January 1.
“A feeble WD is likely to bring light snowfall to scattered areas of Jammu and Kashmir on January 1 and 2,” he said.
The official said a moderate WD will hit during January 3 to 6 and can cause light to moderate rain over the plains of Jammu and snow at many places of Jammu and Kashmir with the peak activity between January 4 and 5.
He said there is a possibility of heavy snow at isolated higher reaches during the period.
“Overall, a major wet spell is developing, and indications suggest high chances of substantial snowfall in the coming days. The ongoing cold wave is likely to subside due to this spell, with minimum temperatures improving slightly in many areas, especially in the hills,” the MeT official said.
The MeT has advised travelers, tourists, and transporters to plan their journeys carefully, given the potential for disruption between January 3 and 6.
“Follow the administration’s and traffic department’s advisories. Slippery roads and accidents are common during this period, especially in the mornings and evenings. Drive cautiously to avoid mishaps,” reads the advisory.
There was no let-up in icy cold weather conditions in valley that have frozen major water bodies disrupting normal life.
The minimum temperature recorded during the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday at Srinagar witnessed a sharp drop and recorded at -3.5°C as against the -0.9°C the previous night.
The ski resort of Gulmarg remained the coldest place with the night temperature dropping to -11.5°C as against the -10.0 °C during the previous night.
The night temperature in Kokernag settled at -5.6°C.
