Fresh snowfall was recorded in the higher reaches of Kashmir, while the plains received rains on Monday bringing the day temperature down by 10 to 16 degrees.
The meteorological centre in Srinagar said that the higher reaches of the Valley, including Gulmarg, Sinthan Top, Sadhna Pass and Razdan Top, received snowfall, some for the first time this season. Affarwat in Gulmarg received the season’s first snowfall on Friday.
The weatherman has forecast widespread rain in the plains and snowfall in the higher reaches till Tuesday. “Light snowfall was recorded on the mountains in Gulmarg, Sinthan Top and Zoji La, while there has been light to moderate rain in the plains,” said local MeT director Mukhtar Ahmad.
“If the snowfall continues for the night, there can be accumulation of 4 to 10 inches at different places,” he said.
The day temperature in the Valley dipped by nearly 10 to 16 degrees, with the city recording a maximum of 12.5 degrees Celsius on Monday against a normal of 25.5 degrees.
In the northern region of Kupwara, the day temperature was 10.8 degrees, some 16 degrees below normal.
Gulmarg in North Kashmir recorded the lowest day temp. of 4.4 degrees while Pahalgam tourist resort in South Kashmir witnessed 9.2 degrees. “The temperatures have dipped considerably which may cause slippery conditions in higher areas which received the snowfall,” he said.
Ahmad said that there is a possibility of intermittent spells of light to moderate rain in the plains and light to moderate snow over higher reaches at most places of Jammu and Kashmir with the possibility of heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places of Jammu division till Tuesday afternoon.
{{/usCountry}}Ahmad said that there is a possibility of intermittent spells of light to moderate rain in the plains and light to moderate snow over higher reaches at most places of Jammu and Kashmir with the possibility of heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places of Jammu division till Tuesday afternoon.
{{/usCountry}}“The weather is expected to improve thereafter,” he said.
Farmers have been advised to suspend all activities on Monday and Tuesday. “There is a possibility of landslides and shooting stones at vulnerable places,” he said.
“The farmers can resume harvesting or other activities from October 8 onwards,” he said.
Ahmad said that there are also chances of light rains on October 8. “ From October 8 onwards the weather will be generally fine till October 20,” he said.
The Srinagar district administration has issued an advisory for people near the Jhelum river.