SRINAGAR: Fresh snowfall in several higher reaches of Kashmir has led to the closure of key roads, while rains lashed the plains of the valley, the Meteorological Department said on Sunday.
Officials said that under the influence of a western disturbance, areas including Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Yousmarg, Gurez, Razdan Top and the Sonamarg-Zojila axis received light to moderate snowfall overnight.
The fresh snowfall resulted in the closure of the Srinagar-Leh Highway and the Bandipora-Gurez road, affecting connectivity to several areas.
Meanwhile, the plains, including Srinagar, witnessed moderate and widespread rainfall, with intermittent showers reported from multiple locations across the valley.
According to the weather office, overcast conditions led to a rise in minimum temperatures. Srinagar recorded a low of 10.3 degrees Celsius, which is 3.8 degrees above the seasonal average, while night temperatures across the valley remained 3–5 degrees above normal.
The Meteorological Department has forecast intermittent light to moderate rain in the plains and snowfall in higher reaches, accompanied by thunder and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph, till Monday night. It also indicated the possibility of moderate snowfall in some higher areas of north and central Kashmir.
On March 31, the weather is expected to remain generally cloudy with brief spells of light rain or snow at scattered places. From April 1 to 2, light rain is likely at isolated locations, while from April 3 to 7, light rain or snow may occur at isolated to scattered places.
Advising caution, the department urged farmers to suspend all agricultural operations until Monday in view of the prevailing weather conditions.
