SRINAGAR, Mar 29: Fresh snowfall in the higher reaches of Kashmir and widespread rains across the plains disrupted normal life on Sunday, forcing the closure of the Srinagar-Leh National Highway and the Bandipora-Gurez Road, officials said.
The Meteorological Department said the weather conditions were triggered by a Western Disturbance, bringing light to moderate snowfall in upper areas including Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Yousmarg, Gurez, Razdan Top and the Sonamarg-Zojila Axis overnight.
Meanwhile, plains including Srinagar experienced moderate and intermittent rainfall. The overcast conditions pushed minimum temperatures above normal, with Srinagar recording 10.3°C—about 3.8°C higher than the seasonal average. Night temperatures across the valley remained 3 to 5 degrees above normal.
The MeT department forecast intermittent light to moderate rain in the plains and snowfall in higher altitudes, accompanied by thunder and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph till Monday night. It also warned of moderate snowfall at a few places in north and central Kashmir.
Weather is expected to remain cloudy on March 31 with brief spells of rain or snow at scattered locations, followed by isolated light rainfall between April 1 and 2. Further spells of light rain or snow are likely at scattered places from April 3 to 7.
Advising caution, the department urged farmers to suspend all agricultural operations until Monday due to the prevailing weather conditions. (Agencies)
