Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Apr 3: Even as the Meteorological Department predicted that the wet spell would continue for over next 24 hours, upper reaches of Kashmir on Friday received fresh snowfall, while rain lashed the plains.
Officials said that snowfall was recorded in Gurez, Tulail, Razdan Top and other upper reaches of North Kashmir, while rainfall was reported from the plains, including Srinagar city.
The Meteorological Department predicted that erratic weather conditions would prevail across Jammu and Kashmir till April 10, with intermittent rain and snowfall expected in several parts of the region.
According to the MeT office, generally cloudy conditions with light to moderate rain or snowfall at many places, accompanied by thunder, hailstorm and gusty winds, are likely on April 3 and 4. Some areas in both Kashmir and Jammu divisions may receive moderate to heavy precipitation, with brief spells of intense showers.
Weather is expected to improve slightly on April 5 and 6, with partly cloudy skies and chances of light rain at isolated locations.
Fresh spells of light to moderate rain or snowfall in higher reaches, along with thunder and gusty winds, are likely at many places between April 7 and 9.
On April 10 and 11, brief spells of light rain or snowfall in higher reaches are expected at a few places, while the weather is likely to remain generally dry from April 12 to 15.
The MeT Department issued an advisory warning of thunderstorms, hail and gusty winds with speeds of 40–50 kmph at isolated places on April 3–4 and April 7–8.
It said intense showers over short durations could trigger flash floods and landslides at vulnerable locations and cause waterlogging in low-lying areas.
Farmers have been advised to suspend agricultural operations during this period, while travellers have been asked to plan their movement accordingly, the officials said.
Meanwhile, an independent weather forecaster, Kashmir Weather said a strong western disturbance is set to impact Jammu and Kashmir over the next 36 hours, bringing widespread rain and snowfall across the Union Territory.
The forecaster said moderate to heavy rain is expected at many places, accompanied by thunderstorms, gusty winds and isolated hailstorm activity.
He warned that intense showers over short durations may trigger flash floods at vulnerable locations. Higher reaches and key mountain passes, including Zojila, Sinthan Top, Mughal Road, Sadhna Top and Razdan Top, are likely to receive fresh snowfall during the period.
Light snowfall over middle elevations between 2,100 and 2,400 metres cannot be ruled out, although the chances remain low, he said. Weather conditions are expected to improve gradually by Sunday, though a few places may continue to receive brief spells of rain, he added.
