Rains drench Kashmir, temp plummets

Srinagar: Majority of Kashmir parts including higher reaches as well as the plains received moderate to heavy rainfall on Monday, bringing down the temperature in the Valley while some higher reaches of the region received fresh snowfall.
The light rains started on Sunday while the moderate to heavy downpour continued since the afternoon. The local weatherman, however, predicted more rains and snow till tomorrow evening.
Deputy Director Meteorological department, Mukhtar Ahmad said Sadhna top, Sonamarg in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district and other higher reaches received fresh snowfall.
Sadhna top received nearly two ft snow since morning while Sonamarg received nearly six inches snowfall.
He added that there is possibility of fresh snowfall at world famous ski-resort, Gulmarg and some other areas in next few hours, saying that the heavy rains or snowfall would continue across Jammu and Kashmir in next 24 hours.
Ahmad informed that as per the forecast, the weather would continue to remain wet till tomorrow (Tuesday) evening while the temperature would also go up from March 24.
According to MeT spokesman, the night temperature in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir was recorded 7.4 degrees Celsius while in Gulmarg, it was recorded minus 0.5 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, the heavy downpour inundated City roads as well as interiors, thus adding to the miseries of commuters and pedestrians.
Pertinently, an advisory was issued by the MeT department here, which stated: “In quick succession, two Western Disturbances (WDs) are most likely to affect J&K and adjoining areas from March 21 (afternoon). Under the influence of these weather systems, widespread moderate rain/snow is expected in Jammu, Kashmir and light rain/snow at a few places of Ladakh region on March 21.”
“Another WD mostly likely to affect J&K and the neighbourhood from March 22 afternoon, will peak intensity during 22 and 23 night. It will gradually decrease thereafter. This may lead to temporary disruption of surface traffic mainly on Jammu-Srinagar, Srinagar-Leh, Mughal Road and other major roads. Landslides and shooting stones in vulnerable spots of Jammu-Srinagar, Srinagar-Leh highways. Temporary water logging in low lying areas.”
“Suspend/ avoid agricultural and horticultural operations and drain out excess water. Dip in day temperature expected,” the advisory had said.
Meanwhile, the traffic on Srinagar-Jammu highway was suspended in the afternoon after landslides triggered by the incessant rainfall.
Officials said that the traffic from Jammu towards Srinagar was allowed to ply till afternoon following which the landslides triggered by the incessant rains led to the closure of the highway.
They added that the highway would remain closed for the vehicular movement tomorrow