Srinagar, Mar 15 — Fresh snowfall blanketed several higher reaches of Kashmir on Sunday while rainfall swept across the plains, forcing the closure of key roads as weather advisories were issued for travellers and farmers.
The snowfall affected areas including Peer Ki Gali, Sinthan Top, Gulmarg, Doodhpathri, Gurez Valley, Sadhna Top and the Sonamarg–Zojila axis, officials said.
“Snowfall was recorded in areas including Peer Ki Gali, Sinthan Top, Gulmarg, Doodhpathri, Gurez Valley, Sadhna Top and along the Sonamarg–Zojila axis,” an official said.
Heavy snowfall along the Zojila Pass led authorities to close the Srinagar–Leh national highway, cutting off the road link between Kashmir and Ladakh for the time being.
Snowfall was also reported from the upper reaches of Gulmarg, including the Apharwat and Kongdoori bowls, while Pir Ki Gali along the Mughal Road in south Kashmir’s Shopian district received fresh accumulation.
Officials said slippery road conditions led to the closure of the Gurez–Bandipora road as well as the Mughal Road, which connects the Kashmir Valley with the Pir Panjal region.
Meanwhile, the plains of Kashmir, including Srinagar, experienced steady rainfall during the day. The wet spell pushed down daytime temperatures across the valley.
According to the Meteorological Department, unsettled weather conditions are likely to persist across Jammu and Kashmir until March 20.
“Intermittent light to moderate rain or snow in higher reaches is likely at many places till the forenoon of March 16,” a MeT official said.
The department said March 17 is expected to remain partly cloudy, with brief spells of light rain or snowfall possible at isolated higher-altitude locations.
From March 18 to 20, generally cloudy conditions are forecast with intermittent light to moderate rain or snowfall at many places, mainly during the night and morning hours.
The weather is likely to remain generally dry between March 21 and 23, while another wet spell may occur on March 24 and 25, with light rain in the plains and snowfall at scattered higher reaches.
The MeT has also warned of thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph at a few places on March 15–16 and again between March 18 and 20.
“Travellers and transporters, especially those moving through higher reaches and mountain passes, should plan their journeys accordingly,” the department said.
Farmers have been advised to suspend farm operations from March 15 to 20 due to the expected adverse weather conditions.
Rainfall was reported from many areas of the Kashmir division and a few places in the Jammu division during the day, officials added.