Examiner Bureau | Srinagar: Fresh snowfall was reported in several higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, while rainfall lashed the plains, prompting authorities to close some key roads due to slippery conditions, officials said.
According to officials, snowfall was recorded in areas including Peer Ki Gali, Sinthan Top, Gulmarg, Doodhpathri, Gurez Valley, Sadhna Top and along the Zoji La axis.
Due to slippery road conditions, the Gurez–Bandipora road and the historic Mughal Road—which connects the Kashmir Valley with the Pir Panjal region—have been closed to vehicular traffic as a precautionary measure.
Officials from the India Meteorological Department (MeT) said several places in the Kashmir division and a few areas in the Jammu division also experienced rainfall during the day.
The MeT Department has predicted that erratic weather conditions are likely to continue across the Union Territory until March 20. Intermittent light to moderate rain and snowfall in higher reaches are expected at many places until the forenoon of March 16.
On March 17, the weather is likely to remain partly cloudy, with brief spells of light rain or snowfall at isolated higher-altitude locations. From March 18 to 20, generally cloudy conditions are expected with intermittent light to moderate rain or snowfall at many places, mainly during night and morning hours.
The department has forecast generally dry weather between March 21 and 23, while skies are expected to remain cloudy with scattered light rain or snowfall in higher reaches on March 24 and 25.
Authorities have advised travellers and transporters, particularly those travelling through higher reaches and mountain passes, to plan their journeys carefully in view of the changing weather conditions.
The MeT Department has also warned of thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph at a few places between March 15–16 and again from March 18–20. Farmers have been advised to suspend agricultural operations during this period due to the likelihood of adverse weather conditions.
