Weather Update for Jammu and Kashmir: 4th-13th February 2024

The picturesque landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir are experiencing a delightful winter spectacle as the region is draped in a gentle layer of snow over the past 24 hours. The weather forecast for the upcoming days provides insights into the atmospheric conditions that residents and travelers can expect.

Recent Weather Conditions
The past day has witnessed a serene snowfall, with the plains receiving a modest 3-6 inches and the middle to higher reaches of the Kashmir Division adorned with a more substantial 8-12 inches. Meanwhile, the Jammu Division has experienced light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder in the plains and snowfall in the higher altitudes.

Forecast Highlights
– 4th Feb:
– Generally cloudy conditions persist with light to moderate snow expected until the afternoon or late afternoon. A gradual improvement in weather conditions is anticipated thereafter.

– 5th Feb:
– The weather is expected to be partly to generally cloudy, with the possibility of light snow in isolated higher reaches.

– 6th-13th Feb:
– Generally dry weather is forecasted during this period, providing a reprieve from the recent snowfall and precipitation.

Advisory Alert
In light of the significant snow accumulation and continuous snowfall in the region over the past few days, authorities are advising travelers to plan their journeys carefully. It is crucial to stay informed and follow advisories from both the local administration and traffic police to ensure a safe and hassle-free travel experience.

Meteorological Significance
The meteorological conditions in Jammu and Kashmir showcase the diverse weather patterns typical of the region during the winter months. The alternating cycles of snowfall and dry spells contribute to the enchanting winter landscape, attracting both locals and tourists alike.

As the region transitions from continuous snowfall to a relatively dry spell in the upcoming days, residents can anticipate clearer skies and milder weather conditions.

the current weather in Jammu and Kashmir paints a captivating winter scene, providing a mix of snowy wonder and tranquility. Travelers are urged to stay updated on the latest advisories and exercise caution while navigating the snow-covered terrain. As the weather gradually stabilizes in the coming days, residents can look forward to a period of respite before the next weather cycle unfolds.

Fresh snowfall: Flight operations disrupted at Sgr Intl Airport, 7 flights cancelled, others on standby mode

Srinagar, Feb 04: At least seven flights were canceled while other flight operations were put on standby as a fresh snow blanket covered Srinagar City, officials said Sunday.

An official from the Srinagar International Airport told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that at least seven flights have been canceled until now, while others are on standby.

He added that, until now, there is no confirmation whether other flights will take off or get canceled as the snowfall is going on.

Moreover, the Jammu-Srinagar Highway details available with KNO reveal that Jammu-Srinagar NHW was open one way for vehicular movement, and commuters are advised to follow lane discipline and drive cautiously—(KNO)

As people switch to online shopping mode, City shopkeepers offer huge discounts to survive

‘We have recorded 40 per cent dip in sales since past few three years as people prefer online shopping.

Srinagar, Feb 02 (KNO): Traders in and around the capital city of Srinagar are bearing the brunt of online shopping as the footfall of customers has shown a considerable dip since the past few years.

Asif Habib, a shopkeeper in the Goni Khan area, told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the local market has been struggling for the past couple of years following the outbreak of Covid-19 in the region.

“Customers are opting to purchase goods from online stores,” he said. “We are now offering huge discounts to woo customers, otherwise no one would visit our shops for purchases.” Many other shopkeepers at the once busiest markets of Srinagar narrated the same ordeal.

Habib claimed that their business has declined by “forty percent.” He said that the ongoing renovation of the capital city under the Smart City project has further exacerbated the challenges faced by local traders whose business was already declining.

“People buy things online and this trend has been going on since many years. But we can see that the majority of people prefer online shopping as it saves time,” said another shopkeeper, Adil Nazir, who sells ready made female suits and bridal items. “We are keeping very little profits and offering huge discounts on every item as that’s the only way to survive.”

Nighat Ara, a resident of Nowgam, acknowledged the transition in shopping trends from offline to online markets. She added that online stores offer several benefits including discounts and refunds if the customer is unsatisfied with the product.

“I used to visit Lal Chowk and other markets for shopping but it used to cost me a lot of time and energy.” Ara told KNO. “Online shopping has made our life easy. I believe it has eased our burden.”

The President of the Kashmir Trade Alliance, Ajaz Shahdhar, accepted that local traders are experiencing a significant loss due to the lack of purchasing power among the local population.

“General trade serves as the backbone of the economy,” Shahdhar said. “But since the money is not circulating as a result the local businessmen are facing difficulties in earning their livelihood.” He said that online stores have largely contributed to the decline of purchases from traditional markets.”

Javed Ahmed Tenga, President of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries, told KNO the low business is not confined to Kashmir but across the globe.

“The global markets, including those in countries like England and Germany, are experiencing the same fate. Online shopping is flourishing across the world,” Tenga said. “In Kashmir many people cancelled their plans to visit Kashmir due to the weather thus affecting money circulation this year. However, we remain hopeful for better times ahead,” he added—(KNO)