SRINAGAR: Higher reaches of Kashmir received fresh snowfall while several areas in the plains experienced rainfall on Wednesday as a weather system approached Jammu and Kashmir. The Meteorological Department has forecast widespread precipitation across the Union Territory over the next two days.
Fresh snowfall was reported from Peer Ki Gali along the Mughal Road and Gurez Valley. Vehicular movement on the Mughal Road was suspended as a precautionary measure due to slippery road conditions.
The Meteorological Department has forecast light to moderate rainfall at most places, with light to moderate snowfall in higher reaches on November 12 and 13.
Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in Poonch and adjoining areas, while higher reaches of Kupwara, Bandipora and Ganderbal may receive moderate to heavy snowfall, particularly from the forenoon of November 12 until late night on November 13.
The department has also warned of thunderstorms, hailstorms and gusty winds at isolated places.
Director Meteorological Centre Srinagar, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, said the main weather activity was expected to intensify from November 12 and continue through November 13, affecting both plains and mountainous areas.
Daytime temperatures are likely to fall by 6-8 degrees Celsius during the period.
Meanwhile, maximum temperatures recorded on Wednesday remained above the seasonal average at several weather stations in Kashmir.
Srinagar recorded a maximum of 19.2°C, 1.9 degrees above normal, while the minimum settled at 7.7°C, 5.8 degrees above normal. Qazigund recorded a maximum of 19.8°C, 3.1 degrees above normal, and a minimum of 6.1°C.
Pahalgam recorded a maximum of 16.2°C against the normal of 14.5°C, while its minimum settled at 3.4°C, 4.4 degrees above normal. Kupwara recorded a maximum of 18.6°C and a minimum of 4°C.
Kokernag recorded a maximum of 18.1°C and a minimum of 6.5°C. Gulmarg recorded the lowest maximum temperature in the Valley at 8.4°C, 1.5 degrees below normal, while its minimum settled at 0.5°C.
In the Jammu division, Jammu city recorded a maximum of 27.8°C and a minimum of 16.5°C, while Katra registered 25.5°C and 15.8°C, respectively.
The Meteorological Department advised farmers to ensure safe storage of harvested crops during November 12 and 13 to prevent damage from rainfall.
It also cautioned that moderate to heavy snowfall could disrupt traffic on mountain passes and hilly roads. Tourists, travellers and transporters have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly and follow official traffic advisories before travelling through vulnerable areas.
The department has forecast generally dry weather from November 14 to 20, with the possibility of brief spells of light rain or snowfall at isolated places.
