As the raised portions of the Kashmir valley received significant snowfall, officials issued Avalanche Alert in Kashmir for mountainous areas, encouraging inhabitants to avoid needless movement during the next 24 hours.
Snowfall in the valley resulted in higher minimum temperatures and lower afternoon temperatures in most regions. The Meteorological Department forecasts an improvement in the weather in Kashmir beginning on Tuesday.
All flights at Srinagar Airport were canceled, and traffic on the critical 270-kilometer Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was halted for about four hours after a landslide in Jammu's Ramban district at 11:15 a.m., according to authorities. In a statement issued from Mumbai, private carrier IndiGo confirmed the cancellation of six flights - to Srinagar and two to Leh - owing to inclement weather.
Snowfall hit the Ramsu-Banihal-Srinagar route, disrupting helicopter service to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. Snowfall was observed in several locations, including Poonch, Rajouri, Kishtwar, Doda, and the higher levels of Reasi, resulting in an increase in minimum temperatures across the valley.
Despite the conclusion of the toughest winter period of 40 days, the region is still experiencing a cold wave during the 20-day 'Chilla-i-Khurd' (little cold), followed by a 10-day 'Chilla-i-Bachha' (baby cold).
The IMD has issued an orange signal for severe rainfall/snowfall in isolated areas of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim on February 5th.
Meanwhile, in Himachal Pradesh, 475 routes, including five national highways, were closed to motorists owing to recent snowfall and monsoon.
The sky remained thickly overcast throughout the day, resulting in limited visibility and affecting vehicle traffic. Various sections of the state saw snowfall, with Kalpa in Kinnaur receiving 5.6 mm, Bharmaur receiving 5 cm, Gondla receiving 4.2 cm, Keylong receiving 3 cm, Khadrala and Kufri receiving 2 cm each, Kukumseri receiving 1.6 cm, and Sangla and Pooh receiving 1 cm each.
On Sunday, Uttarakhand witnessed harsh cold conditions as a result of recent snowfall in the state's upper parts and showers in lower areas. Snowfall was reported in Uttarkashi district locations including Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Hemkund, Auli, Dehradun's Chakrata, Chaurangikhal, and Nachiketa Tal. Rain fell across the state, including Dehradun, on Saturday night.
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