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Heavy rains forecast in J&K

by IBNS 10 Mar 2016, 06:19 am

Srinagar, Mar 10 (IBNS) The Meteorological Department on Thursday forecast heavy rains in plains and snowfall in higher reaches of Kashmir Valley during the next three days and has advised people to remain vigilant.

“There will be moderate to heavy rainfall in the Valley starting from March 11 (Friday), added that there will heavy spell of rainfall on March 12 (Saturday),” said Sonam Lotus, head of Meteorological Department Jammu and Kashmir.

The forecast has triggered panic as heavy rains last year in March had swollen most water bodies in the Valley causing widespread water logging in Srinagar.

“There is no need to worry if rainfall will be intermittent, however in case of vice versa, people are advised to remain vigilant and alert,” he said adding that every year Kashmir Valley gets highest rainfall in the month of March.
 

“Heavy snowfall is expected in Pir Panchal region. The rainfall will be comparatively more in South than North Kashmir.” Lotus said people need not to panic. “But we must be alert,” he said.

Lotus said under the influence of this weather system, moderate to heavy rain, thundershower and snowfall over higher reaches, will occur at widespread places in Kashmir.

Due fresh rains and snow, there will be steep decline in temperature across Valley. 

He said after this three-day wet spell, the weather may remain dry. 

“We are continuously monitoring the weather system," he said.

It will be too early to comment given the fact in March 2014, Srinagar received 220 mm of rain and 295 mm in the next year

 


(Reporting by Saleem Iqbal Qadri)