Zoji La Shut After Snow; Kashmir Rain, Thunderstorms Likely Today

Snow on Zoji La has suspended traffic on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway, The Week reported on 12 November, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects more rain and snow across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh today, Friday 13 November. A western disturbance over Kashmir is the cause. IMD’s all-India bulletin of 12 November, 8.34 PM, forecasts fairly widespread to widespread rain on 12 and 13 November, with thunderstorms and gusty winds of 40 to 50 km/h, gusting to 60 km/h, at isolated places until 14 November.

Highways Disrupted in Kashmir

Besides the Zoji La closure, The Week reports a landslide at Rajanwani that disrupted traffic on the Uri-Baramulla National Highway. Check road status with the traffic police before driving to Leh, Gurez or Uri. In the 24 hours to 5.30 PM on Thursday, Gulmarg and Kupwara recorded 1 cm of rain each, IMD said. The Week reports that day temperatures fell by several degrees on 12 November.

Rain Spreads to Himachal, Uttarakhand and Punjab

IMD forecasts isolated to scattered rain in Himachal Pradesh from 12 to 15 November, with thunderstorms and lightning on 12 to 14 November. Uttarakhand gets isolated to scattered rain through 15 November, and Punjab on 12 and 13 November. Mandi in Himachal recorded the country’s lowest minimum on Thursday, 8.4 degrees Celsius.

Also read Kashmir, Himachal, Punjab Rain and Snow: IMD Forecast, 11-14 Nov

Rain Reaches West Rajasthan on 14 November

The next change comes on 14 November, when IMD expects isolated to scattered rain in West Rajasthan, with thunderstorms and gusts of 30 to 40 km/h. In Jammu and Kashmir, rain turns isolated to scattered on 14 and 15 November. IMD’s bulletin does not issue an orange or red alert for these regions. Earlier forecasts are in IPB’s 12 November report, and all updates are on the Weather Updates page.

Source: IMD all-India weather bulletin, 12 November. Also based on reporting by The Week.

Image: AFP (file photo).