Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Mar 20: Jammu and Kashmir witnessed light to moderate rainfall in the plains and snowfall in the higher reaches over the past 24 hours, the Meteorological Department said on Friday.
Officials said snowfall was recorded in higher altitude areas, including Gurez, Keran, Tangdhar, Uri, Gulmarg and Pahalgam, while most plains received light to moderate rain.
The MeT Centre Srinagar informed that weather conditions on March 20 are expected to remain partly to generally cloudy, with spells of light rain in plains and light snowfall over higher reaches at many places towards late afternoon and evening. Improvement is expected thereafter.
From March 21 to 25, the weather is likely to remain generally dry across the Union Territory, with a brief spell of light rain or snowfall at isolated places on March 23.
For the subsequent period from March 26 to 28, officials have forecast generally cloudy conditions with light rain in the plains and snowfall over the higher reaches at a few places. Another spell of light to moderate rain in plains and snowfall in higher reaches is expected at many places between March 29 and 31, the MeT office said.
Meanwhile, the department has issued an advisory stating that day temperatures are expected to rise gradually from March 21 onwards.
It warned of the possibility of thunder and gusty winds with speeds reaching 40–50 kmph, along with hailstorms at isolated locations.
Farmers have been advised to resume agricultural operations from March 21, keeping in view the expected improvement in weather conditions, officials said.
The Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority on Friday issued an avalanche warning for higher reaches of north Kashmir, cautioning that areas above 2,600 metres in Baramulla and Kupwara districts are likely to face medium danger levels over the next 24 hours.
The authority advised residents, especially those in vulnerable locations, to remain alert and avoid venturing into avalanche-prone zones, stressing strict adherence to safety guidelines as conditions remain conducive for avalanche activity.
Officials also urged the public to follow regular updates and take necessary precautions to ensure safety.
