KD NEWS SERVICE
A fresh Western Disturbance is set to influence Jammu and Kashmir from this evening onwards. Under its impact, light to heavy rain and snowfall is expected across many areas, with heavier snow confined mainly to higher reaches.
This Western Disturbance is not a strong one, but it is active enough to bring moderate to locally heavy snowfall at higher elevations. For the plains, snowfall chances do exist since precipitation is expected to begin during the night hours. However, the probability of good snow accumulation across most plains remains low.
But, moderate/heavy accumulation in plains will largely depend on whether dry snow sets in during the night. If temperatures hover around 3–4°C, accumulation will be limited or unlikely. At present, snowfall chances for plains stand at around 50%, while chances of decent accumulation are 30–40%.
The probability of dry snow is estimated at around 30 – 40% for north and central Kashmir plains, while Shopian and Kulgam, especially areas closer to the Pir Panjal range, have a relatively higher chance — around 60–70% — of receiving dry snow and better accumulations.
Chenab Valley, Poonch district, and the Qazigund–Banihal stretch are also likely to witness snowfall with this system.
The remaining areas will witness a rain spell.
As for winds, a few areas may experience gusty conditions, but strong or prolonged winds are unlikely with this Western Disturbance.
