J&K Weather Update: Rain/Snow Predicted, check latest Advisory here

30 Jan – 01st Feb: A fresh Western Disturbance is set to impact Jammu and Kashmir from today until February 1st.

Under its influence, rain/snow activities are likely to commence from today morning onwards, starting from higher reaches. Towards evening, a spell of rain is expected in parts of Jammu region, particularly in Udhampur, Kishtwar, and Doda districts.
By tomorrow (31st Jan) morning, most areas in Jammu and Kashmir should have received a spell of rain/snow.
On 31st Jan, rain/snow activities will continue across Jammu and Kashmir, although central and south Kashmir parts may see less activities during the daytime.

The temperatures are expected to fall significantly from 31st Jan evening and as such snowfall chances will also increase in plains.
Between 31st Jan evening and 01st February, Jammu region is expected to receive moderate to heavy rain/snow. Its higher reaches are expected to receive heavy snowfall. Snowfall is also expected in some parts of Ramban district including Banihal, Kishtwar district, some parts of Doda district including Bhaderwah, and higher reaches of Kathua district. The weather system can dump 2 to 5 feet of snow over Sinthan Pass.

Lightning and Thunderstorm can also occur in parts of Jammu region during this period. Stay Alert!

Between 31st Jan and 01st Feb, snowfall can also occur in south Kashmir plains, especially in parts of Shopian, Kulgam, and Anantnag districts.
Area wise variations in snow sccumulations are expected.
No snow = 10% chance
1cm – 2 inches = 35% chance
2 – 6 inches = 35% chance
Over 6 inches = 20% chance
(The chances have been distributed out of 100)

There are also chances of snowfall in central Kashmir, however, compared to other areas, it will be less impacted by this weather system.
No snow = 30% chance
1cm – 2 inches = 45% chance
2 – 6 inches = 20% chance
Over 6 inches = 5% chance
(The chances have been distributed out of 100)

For plains of north Kashmir, the weather system’s impact remains unclear regarding snowfall.
No snow = 20% chance
1cm – 2 inches = 30% chance
2 – 6 inches = 30% chance
Over 6 inches = 20% chance
(The chances have been distributed out of 100)

Good amount of snowfall is also expected over tourist places such as Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, and Doodhpathri.

Weather is expected to go completely dry from 02 Feb morning/afternoon.

*03 – 04 Feb:*

Another Western Disturbance (light to moderate in intensity) is expected to affect from 03 Feb afternoon/evening. The weather system will be associated with colder temperatures. Under its influence, light to moderate snowfall can occur in plains of Kashmir.
More details regarding it will be shared later.

Note:
1. The weather system area-wise may not behave as has been forecasted. The fluctuations can even result in more rain/snow over central Kashmir than south Kashmir.
2. Landslides/shooting stones are expected to occur over Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. It is advised to postpone your journey if it is especially planned for 01st February.
3. For Tourists, Sinthan Pass may remain closed for many days now, and as such, should plan to opt for Sonamarg, Pahalgam, or Gulmarg to experience snow.

Forecast Insights: ‘Kashmir Weather’

Over 8000 aspirants to perform Hajj this year from J&K

‘Number of applications received were less than allocated quota, no draw of lots to take place this year’

Rehan Qayoom Mir

Srinagar, Jan 29 (KNO): The authorities on Monday said that over 8000 aspirants from across Jammu & Kashmir will be leaving for performing Hajj 2024 soon, saying that the applications of few aspirants having expired passports have been rejected.

Sharing details about this year’s annual Hajj pilgrimage, the executive officer of J&K Haj committee, Dr. Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi, speaking to the media in Haj House Bemina, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said around 8,017 Hajj pilgrims have been selected from Jammu and Kashmir.

He said some of the pilgrims had provided expired passports and were consequently rejected, while only 8,017 applications were accepted, who secured a spot for the annual Hajj-2024.

Regarding the Hajj quota, Dr. Qureshi said that there is a specific quota of 6,838 for Jammu and Kashmir, with an additional 2,000 as a special quota given, comprising a total of quota of 8,838. He added that this year, they received less applications than the quota.

“Now, the next step is the publication of the selection list and the message generation for pilgrims whose names have been added to the provisional selection list, after which they will have to submit the first instalment,” said Dr Qureshi.

He said that, “this year, a total of 155,000 Hajj pilgrims are scheduled to leave from India.” He added that the notification about the first instalment will be out in two to three days, and pilgrims have to prepare themselves for Hajj 2024—(KNO)