SRINAGAR (KIMS) — Fresh snowfall across the Kashmir Valley disrupted land and air traffic on Friday, while rain lashed parts of Jammu, as the Meteorological Department forecast more wet weather in the coming days across Jammu and Kashmir.
According to traffic officials, vehicular movement has been suspended from both sides on the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway due to snowfall in and around the Navyug Tunnel.
Besides, the Mughal Road, SSG Road, and the Sinthan–Kishtwar road have also been closed owing to snow accumulation.
Rail services on the Baramulla–Banihal section have also been suspended.
Air traffic remained affected as Srinagar International Airport cancelled all flights for the day due to adverse weather conditions.
“In view of continuous snowfall, accumulation of snow on operational areas, and the prevailing forecast of adverse weather en route, all flight operations at Srinagar Airport stand cancelled for the day in the interest of passenger safety. Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for updates and re-accommodation. We regret the inconvenience caused,” airport authorities said in a post on X.
According to official figures, Udhampur received 77 mm of rainfall, Jammu 69 mm, Katra 79 mm, Samba 63 mm, Rajouri 56 mm, Srinagar 37 mm, and Qazigund 45 mm during the past 24 hours.
Meanwhile, Gulmarg recorded 45 cm of snowfall, Shopian 55 cm, Sonamarg 15 cm, Pahalgam 17 cm, Kupwara 20 cm, Banihal 16 cm, and Kulgam 15 cm during the same period.
The Meteorological Department said light to moderate rain and snowfall is expected at most places on Sunday, with the possibility of heavy rain or snow over a few districts of the Chenab Valley, Pir Panjal range, and south Kashmir till evening, followed by improvement.
The department forecast light rain or snowfall at isolated places from January 24 to 25.
From January 26 to 27, light to moderate rain or snow is likely at most places across Jammu and Kashmir, with the possibility of moderate to heavy snowfall, thunder, and gusty winds at a few locations during the night of January 26 and January 27.
From January 28 to 31, weather is expected to remain partly cloudy across Jammu and Kashmir, the department added.
Meanwhile, the summer capital Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 1.1°C, Qazigund minus 1.0°C, Kupwara minus 1.2°C, Kokernag minus 0.8°C, Pahalgam 0.4°C and Gulmarg minus 4.0°C on Friday.
The winter capital Jammu recorded 10.2°C, Katra 6.4°C, Batote minus 0.9°C, Banihal minus 0.2°C and Bhaderwah minus 1.8°C.
In Ladakh, Leh recorded minus 3.2°C and Kargil minus 2.5°C as the minimum temperature. — (KIMS)