MeT forecasts more wet weather till Mar 20
Fresh snowfall shuts Mughal Road, Srinagar–Leh highway
Winter chill returns even as rainfall deficit persists
Irfan Yattoo
Srinagar: Widespread rain lashed Kashmir Valley on Sunday while fresh snowfall was recorded in higher reaches, for the second straight day, while the MeT department has forecasted wet spell till March 20 onward, officials said.
The precipitation brought a noticeable dip in temperatures across the Valley, reviving a winter-like chill in mid-March.
Following the light snowfall, authorities closed the Srinagar-Leh highway, Mughal road, Sinthan Top, Karnah, and Machil routes due to snow accumulation, leaving several vehicles stranded.
Road clearance operations were underway, and traffic was expected to be restored by Monday evening, if weather improves.
Zojila Pass recorded around six inches of snowfall, while Peer Ki Gali along the Mughal Road received about three inches
Officials said the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway remained open for traffic, though movement was slow due to continuous rainfall and narrow stretches along the route.
Director MeT Srinagar, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad told Kashmir Horizon that that rain was being recorded at many places across the Kashmir division and at a few locations in the Jammu division due to the influence of an active weather system.
He said intermittent light to moderate rain, accompanied by snowfall over higher reaches, is expected at many places between March 15 and 16, particularly till the forenoon of March 16.
Dr Mukhtar said the weather on March 17 is likely to remain partly cloudy, with chances of brief spells of light rain or snowfall over isolated higher reaches.
“Between March 18 and 20, generally cloudy conditions are expected with the possibility of intermittent light to moderate rain and snowfall at many places, mainly during night and morning hours,” he said.
According to the forecast, the weather is expected to remain generally dry between March 21 and 23. However, cloudy conditions may return on March 24 and 25 with the possibility of light rain and snowfall over higher reaches at scattered places.
He also issued an advisory for travellers, transporters and people planning to travel through higher reaches and important mountain passes, asking them to plan their journeys accordingly.
Dr Mukhtar said there is a possibility of thunder and gusty winds with speeds of 40–50 kmph at a few places during March 15–16 and again between March 18 and 20.
Farmers have also been advised to suspend agricultural operations between March 16 and 20 in view of the prevailing weather conditions and the likelihood of rain and strong winds.
