Mohammad Suhail

Srinagar, Jan 19 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir is likely to witness widespread rain and snowfall later this month as two consecutive western disturbances are forecast to affect the region, officials said on Monday

A senior Meteorological Department official said an intense weather system is expected to impact Jammu and Kashmir from January 22 to 24, with peak activity on January 23. A second, moderate western disturbance is likely from the night of January 26 to the forenoon of January 28, peaking on January 27.

Under the influence of these systems, light to moderate rain and snowfall is expected across the region, with heavy precipitation at isolated places, the official said.

The first disturbance is likely to bring heavy rain and snowfall over the Pir Panjal range, including parts of the Chenab Valley in Jammu division, and the middle and higher reaches of south Kashmir.

Areas likely to be affected include Anantnag, Pahalgam, Kulgam, Shopian, Pir Ki Gali, Gulmarg, Sonamarg-Zojila axis, Bandipora-Razdan Pass, Kupwara-Sadhna Pass, and districts of Doda, Udhampur, Reasi, Kishtwar and Ramban.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The second system is expected to cause another spell of moderate to heavy precipitation over the same areas, particularly the Pir Panjal range and higher reaches of south Kashmir.

The official said surface and air transport may be affected, including traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and other roads in middle and higher altitude areas.

Advisories have been issued asking travellers and tourists to plan journeys accordingly. Residents in snow-bound areas have been advised to avoid avalanche-prone zones, while farmers have been asked to suspend irrigation and agricultural operations during the period.

There is also a possibility of landslides, mudslides and gusty winds reaching 40–60 kmph at vulnerable locations, the official added.(KNS).