Heavy rain, snowfall in Kashmir from Monday: MeT

Peak activity on March 23-24: Lotus

Srinagar, March 20: The Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rainfall in plains while snowfall in upper reaches of Kashmir from Monday onward, officials said.

Director MeT department, Sonam Lotus told Rising Kashmir that they were expecting moderate to heavy snowfall in Kashmir from Monday onward and will remain wet till 24th of this month.

“Under the influence of intense Western Disturbances, there is possibility of moderate to heavy rains in plains along with thunder storm and snowfall in higher reaches of Kashmir mainly during March 23-24,” he said.

Lotus said as of now there is no forecast of any major rainfall activity till the 21th evening and it looks like 70 -80 % from Monday onwards.

“Light to heavy rain is expected in Jammu region with the possibility of hailstorm and gusty winds at a few places,” he said.

Director MeT said in Ladakh region also, moderate snowfall in Kargil district while light snowfall is expected in Leh district.

“Farmers are advised to continue spraying till Monday afternoon as weather will remain mostly disturbed till 24 March,” he said.

As per weather officials, summer capital Srinagar recorded a maximum of 5.8 degrees Celsius during Friday night while Jammu recorded 15.7 degrees.

Ski resort Gulmarg in north Kashmir was the coldest place in Kashmir as night temperature was recorded at 0.0 degrees C. While Pahalgam recorded at 0.7 degrees C on Friday night.

As per traffic advisory issued by traffic department for Saturday, LMVs shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar highway.

Meanwhile Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) shall be allowed after 2 PM onwards from both sides.

Mughal road, connecting Shopian and Poonch districts is still closed following the government order.