Rain, snow likely in Kashmir till March 11; day temperature to drop

Srinagar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday forecast cloudy weather with light rain and snowfall in higher reaches of Kashmir over the next few days, with a noticeable drop in day temperatures across the Valley.
According to the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, Kashmir is expected to remain generally cloudy on March 9 with light rain in the plains and light snowfall over the higher reaches at scattered places.
The weather department, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that from March 10 to 11, the region is likely to witness generally cloudy conditions with light to moderate rain in the plains and snowfall over higher reaches at many places.
It said a few higher altitude areas of Kupwara, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Anantnag, and Kishtwar may receive moderate snowfall during this period.
The MeT department said weather conditions are expected to improve from March 12 to 15 with generally dry weather and occasional cloudiness. However, brief spells of light rain or snow may occur at isolated places during this period.
It added that from March 16 to 18, the weather is likely to remain generally cloudy with light rain or snowfall over higher reaches at isolated to scattered places.
The department has issued an advisory warning of temporary traffic disruption over higher reaches and important mountain passes in parts of Kupwara, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Anantnag and Kishtwar due to snowfall.
Farmers have been advised to suspend farm operations between March 10 and 12.
The MeT department further said that day temperatures are expected to fall by four to six degrees Celsius at many places after March 9 and may remain below normal till March 12.
There is also a possibility of thunder and gusty winds with speeds of 30–40 kmph at a few places between March 9 and 11, it added.
Meanwhile, the minimum temperature in Srinagar was recorded at 3.3 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg recorded minus 4 degrees Celsius, the MeT department said