By Weather Desk The Azadi Times
Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir: A biting cold wave continues to grip Azad Kashmir, with temperatures plunging further after light rainfall over the weekend. The region’s Meteorological Department warns of cloudy skies, isolated rain, and light snowfall in higher altitudes over the next 48 hours, exacerbating the already harsh winter conditions.
Current Weather Snapshot
- Muzaffarabad: Daytime temperature at 14°C, dropping to 6°C at night.
- Neelum Valley (Upper Areas): Sub-zero mercury levels at -2°C.
- Rawalakot: 5°C | Bagh: 7°C | Kotli: 12°C.
The cold spell has intensified in mountainous regions like Pir Chinasi, Havaily, and Leepa, where frostbite risks loom for residents unprepared for the extreme chill.
Forecast: Rain, Snow to Worsen Conditions
The Meteorological Department predicts cloudy weather across Azad Kashmir this week, with:
- Rain: Likely in Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Kotli, Bagh, and Rawalakot.
- Snowfall: Light to moderate snow expected in northern high-altitude zones, including Neelum Valley’s peaks.
- Temperature Drop: The ongoing cold wave will persist, with icy winds amplifying discomfort in urban and rural areas alike.
Disaster Management Issues Advisory
The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has urged residents to:
- Avoid non-essential travel to snow-prone areas.
- Stockpile essentials like food, blankets, and heating supplies.
- Use caution on icy roads, particularly in Neelum Valley and Pir Chinasi, where roadblocks are anticipated.
Tourists planning winter visits to scenic hubs like Toli Pir and Ratti Gali have been advised to “delay travel until conditions improve.”
Why This Matters
Azad Kashmir’s rugged terrain makes communities in high-altitude areas vulnerable during severe winters. Limited infrastructure and frequent road closures due to snow often isolate villages, complicating emergency responses. The SDMA’s alert underscores the need for proactive measures to protect lives and livelihoods.
Local Impact
- Agriculture: Frost threatens early-season crops in Bagh and Havaily.
- Daily Life: Schools in Rawalakot report low attendance as families prioritize safety.
- Tourism: Popular destinations like Shounter Valley face disruptions, dealing a blow to winter tourism revenue.
Climate Context
While winter snowfall is typical in Azad Kashmir, climate experts note increasingly erratic weather patterns, with shorter winters but more intense cold spells—a trend linked to broader regional climate shifts.
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