Fresh snowfall in the higher reaches and rainfall across the plains marked the return of erratic weather in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday following the impact of another Western disturbance.
According to the Meteorological Department (MeT), the change in weather has led to a significant drop in temperatures, with more rain and snow expected over the next two days.
Light snowfall was reported from several high-altitude areas, while rainfall in the plains caused minor disruptions to vehicular movement in some areas.
Tourist destinations including Gulmarg and Sonamarg received light snowfall. Snow was also reported from Pir Ki Gali along the Mughal Road, Zojila Pass, Razdan Top, Gurez, Sinthan Top, Sadhna Top and Margan Top, officials said.
Due to snow accumulation, several key roads remained closed. The Gurez–Bandipora road, Sinthan–Kishtwar road and Margan Top–Warwan road have remained shut for the past four days, officials said.
However, the Mughal Road was reopened around noon after snow clearance operations, including at Pir Ki Gali. Snow clearance work is continuing on other high-altitude routes.
Traffic on the Srinagar–Leh National Highway also remained suspended due to snowfall at Zojila Pass.
Meanwhile, intermittent rainfall was recorded across many parts of the Union Territory. Srinagar recorded 5 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, while Pahalgam received 5.4 mm, Kupwara 3.5 mm, Kokernag 0.5 mm and Qazigund 1.8 mm, officials said.
In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded 4.6 mm of rainfall, Banihal 3.5 mm, Batote 7.6 mm, Katra 13 mm and Bhaderwah 0.8 mm. Higher reaches of Kishtwar also experienced light snowfall.
The Ladakh region also witnessed fresh precipitation, with snowfall reported in higher areas of Leh, Kargil, Drass and Nubra.
The wet weather conditions have led to a noticeable drop in temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 8.4°C, which is 7.6°C below normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 6.7°C, about 1.7°C above normal.
The MeT department has forecast that the unsettled weather conditions are likely to continue, with light to moderate rain or snowfall expected at several places in Jammu and Kashmir till March 20.
