SRINAGAR: IMD’s forecast of snowfall in Kashmir from Thursday has held out much hope for the end of a prolonged dry spell in the region.Srinagar branch of IMD on Monday also warned “landslides, mudslides, and gusty winds at vulnerable places” may disrupt air and surface transport, including Jammu-Srinagar NH and other major roads in the middle and higher reaches of the UT. It advised people to avoid venturing into sloppy and avalanche-prone areas.Across Kashmir region, locals are eagerly waiting for snowfall as this winter has remained largely dry and temperatures continue to plunge below zero. On Sunday, Srinagar recorded a low of minus 4.7 degrees Celsius, while Sonamarg saw a low of minus 8.9 degrees.Two western disturbances in quick succession are likely to affect J&K and adjoining areas from Jan 22 to Jan 24 and Jan 26 to Jan 28. “Heavy snowfall, accompanied by rainfall, is likely at few places during the period, with main activity on Jan 23 and Jan 27; while light to moderate snowfall and rainfall may be witnessed on a widespread area,” the met department said.Except for the winters of 2020 and 2021, Dec and Jan have remained dry since 2018. Sunil Dhar, environmental sciences HoD at Jammu Central University, said, “Seasonal snowfall has shifted by nearly a month.”
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