Srinagar, Mar 19 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir witnessed widespread light to moderate rain and snowfall over the past 24 hours, with the Meteorological Department forecasting continued wet weather across the Union Territory till March 20, officials said on Thursday.
Director Meteorological Department, Srinagar, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad said light to moderate rain and snowfall occurred at most places during the past 24 hours.
He said Baramulla recorded 29.5 mm rainfall, Poonch 29 mm, Batote 25.5 mm, Pahalgam 20.6 mm, while Gulmarg received 23 cm of fresh snowfall.
According to the MeT Department, weather is expected to remain generally cloudy on March 19 and 20, with intermittent light to moderate rain and snowfall at most places. Higher reaches of South Kashmir and the Chenab Valley are likely to receive moderate to heavy snowfall at isolated locations.
From March 21 to 25, weather is likely to remain generally dry, although a brief spell of light rain or snow may occur at isolated places on March 23.
The department further said that from March 26 to 28, partly cloudy conditions are expected with chances of light rain or snowfall over higher reaches at scattered places. Another spell of rain and snowfall is likely at many places between March 29 and 31.
The MeT office has issued an advisory asking travellers and transporters to plan their movement carefully, especially through higher reaches and important passes, in view of the possibility of heavy rain or snowfall at isolated places.
It also warned of thunder, gusty winds reaching 40–50 kmph, and chances of hailstorms at isolated locations during the night.
Farmers have been advised to resume agricultural operations from March 21 onwards, the officials added.(NVI)
