Srinagar, Dec 18 (KNS): The Meteorological Department on Thursday forecast generally cloudy weather across Jammu and Kashmir over the coming days, with light to moderate snowfall expected in higher reaches of Kashmir division, particularly around December 20 and 21.
According to the forecast issued by the MET Centre Srinagar, the weather on December 18 and 19 is expected to remain partly to generally cloudy, with the possibility of very light snowfall at isolated higher reaches of north and central Kashmir.
The department said that a more active weather system is likely to affect the region from late night of December 20 till December 21 afternoon.
During this period, light to moderate snowfall is expected over the higher reaches of Kashmir, while light to moderate rain may occur at many places across the plains of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Few higher reaches of Kupwara, Bandipora and Ganderbal districts may receive moderate to heavy snowfall, particularly on December 21,” the advisory issued by the MET department said, as per KNS.
From December 23 to 29, the weather is expected to remain partly to generally cloudy, with no major weather activity predicted during this period.
However, the MET department has indicated another spell of generally cloudy weather towards the end of the month, with the possibility of light snowfall at isolated higher reaches on December 30 and 31.
In view of the forecast, the MET department has advised travellers and transporters to plan their journeys accordingly and strictly follow advisories issued by traffic authorities and the administration, especially in snow-prone areas and along higher altitude routes.
Authorities have also been asked to remain prepared for any weather-related disruptions, particularly in districts that are likely to receive moderate to heavy snowfall.
Kashmir usually witnesses harsh winter conditions during this period as the region approaches Chillai Kalan, the coldest 40-day phase of winter, which begins on December 21.(KNS).