Flight operations at Srinagar International Airport were significantly affected on Sunday due to dense fog, officials reported. Early morning visibility dropped to a mere 50 meters, causing delays and rescheduling of flights. An official from the Airports Authority of India stated that all airlines had postponed their flights to after 10 a.m.
The impact of fog was also felt on Saturday, leading to flight delays and diversions. Compounding the disruption, the Meteorological Department has forecasted a major snowfall across Jammu and Kashmir over the next two days, influenced by an active Western Disturbance (WD) expected to intensify tonight.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
The Meteorological Department predicts moderate to heavy snowfall across Jammu and Kashmir in the coming 36 hours, with plains in Jammu experiencing moderate rainfall.
“There is a possibility of heavy snow over middle and higher reaches of Kashmir and Chenab Valley from tonight until late January 5 or early January 6,” the department said.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the Meteorological Department, stated that weather conditions would remain generally cloudy with the peak snowfall activity expected tonight through January 5. However, improvements are anticipated from January 6 afternoon.
Between January 7 and 10, the weather is likely to remain generally dry, with isolated to scattered snowfall expected on January 11 and 12. Dry weather is forecasted for January 13-15.
Issued Weather Alerts
The MeT has issued the following warnings for January 5 and 6:
- Orange Warning (Be prepared and stay updated): Areas including Bandipora, Kupwara, Ganderbal, Shopian, Kulgam, and Ramban.
- Yellow Warning (Be aware): Areas including Baramulla, Kishtwar, and Doda on January 5; and Anantnag, Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Kulgam, and Shopian on January 6.
Travelers, tourists, and transport operators are advised to plan accordingly and heed the advisories issued by the administration. Temporary disruptions to air and surface transportation are expected on January 5.
Improved Night Temperatures Across J&K
The night temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir showed some improvement despite the prevailing cold conditions:
- Srinagar: Minimum temperature of -1.6°C.
- Qazigund: Recorded a low of -6.6°C.
- Kokernag: Minimum temperature at -5.8°C.
- Pahalgam: Registered a low of -2.6°C.
- Kupwara & Gulmarg: Both recorded -2.2°C.
Advisory for Travelers in Jammu & Kashmir
The MeT has advised tourists and travelers to remain cautious and plan trips in consultation with traffic advisories. The administration has emphasized adhering to guidelines to ensure safety amid potential disruptions in transportation.
With an active Western Disturbance affecting the region, residents and travelers are urged to stay prepared for significant weather changes and follow updates from the Meteorological Department and local authorities.
