Chill returns to Valley amid fresh snowfall, rains

Srinagar, Apr 4: A chill returned to Kashmir on Saturday as fresh snowfall in the upper reaches and rains across the plains sent temperatures plunging across the region.
An official said that Gurez, Tulail, Gulmarg and Sonamarg received fresh snowfall, while widespread rains lashed the plains across the Valley.
According to rainfall data for the past 24 hours ending 8:30 am, Baramulla recorded 45.5 mm of rain, followed by Nowgam Handwara at 45.6 mm and Lolab at 42.2 mm.
Srinagar received 25.1 mm of rainfall, while the airport recorded 29.2 mm. Budgam and Kulgam recorded 24 mm and 24.2 mm respectively, while Sopore received 22.8 mm.
In the Jammu region, Rajouri recorded the highest rainfall at 61 mm, followed by Batote at 53.8 mm and Poonch at 45.5 mm. Udhampur received 31.7 mm and Katra 32.2 mm, officials said.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department said erratic weather conditions are likely to continue across Jammu and Kashmir till April 10, with intermittent spells of rain and snow forecast in the coming days.
According to the MeT office on April 5 and 6, the region is expected to witness partly cloudy conditions with light rain at isolated locations. A fresh spell of light to moderate rain and snowfall in higher reaches, along with thunder and gusty winds, is likely at many places on April 7 and 8.
Between April 9 and 11, brief spells of light rain and snowfall in higher reaches are expected at scattered places, while the weather is likely to remain generally dry from April 12 to 15.
The MeT office has issued an advisory warning of thunder, hailstorms and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph at a few places on April 4 and April 7-8.
It said intense showers for short durations may trigger flash floods, landslides and waterlogging in vulnerable and low-lying areas. Farmers have been advised to suspend farm operations, while travellers have been asked to plan their movement accordingly.
Meanwhile, multiple roads across Jammu and Kashmir remained closed or witnessed disruptions on Saturday following fresh rainfall, snowfall and landslides, while the Traffic Police issued an advisory urging commuters to avoid unnecessary travel and check road status before undertaking journeys.
Officials said movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) remained slow over the past 24 hours due to landslides between Nashri tunnel and Banihal, and single-lane traffic between Marog and Kishtwari Pather. The situation was further affected by the breakdown of three heavy motor vehicles.
In view of the forecast of continued rain and snowfall over the next few days, authorities advised commuters to travel only after confirming road conditions from traffic control units in Jammu, Srinagar and Ramban. Night travel on the highway has been discouraged due to the risk of shooting stones, landslides and ongoing construction works along the Ramban-Banihal stretch.
Traffic officials said that subject to weather conditions, light motor vehicles and passenger vehicles would be allowed to ply on NH-44 from both sides. However, no heavy motor vehicles carrying goods will be permitted from Qazigund towards Jammu between midnight and 6 am due to a religious congregation at Vijaypur. Security forces’ convoys will be regulated separately.
The Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road remained closed for vehicular movement as per existing orders, while the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri (SSG) road will remain open only for regulated traffic, subject to clearance from road maintenance agencies due to avalanche risk along the Zojila axis.
Authorities said vehicles will be allowed from Srinagar towards Kargil with a cut-off timing in place, and motorists have been advised to carry anti-skid chains.
The Mughal Road will remain open for light motor vehicles from both sides for limited hours between late morning and afternoon, subject to weather conditions.
Meanwhile, the Bandipora-Gurez road continued to remain closed due to fresh snowfall.
In Reasi district, heavy rainfall triggered landslides, blocking key roads in Mahore and Arnas areas and leaving hundreds of people stranded. Officials said restoration work is underway, but continuous rain is hampering clearance operations.
Authorities have advised people to follow lane discipline and avoid overtaking to prevent congestion on highways. (KNO)