Srinagar, March 11 – Rain lashed the plains of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) during the last 24 hours, with moderate snowfall occurring in the higher reaches on Wednesday.
Meteorological department officials said that the rain and snowfall over the past 24 hours have led to a drop in temperatures.
"Light to moderate rain/snow (in higher reaches) occurred in J&K during the last 24 hours, while some higher reaches in the districts of Kishtwar, Ganderbal, Anantnag, Kupwara, and Bandipora received moderate snowfall."
"The weather is expected to remain generally dry until March 14, and thereafter, cloudy weather with light rain/snow (in higher reaches) is likely from March 15 to March 20."
"Farmers have been advised to suspend farm operations until March 12," the meteorological department advisory stated.
The rain and snowfall have brought relief to the people, especially in the Valley, where the Jhelum River and other water bodies, including mountain streams, springs, and wells, were running with very low discharge.
The Kashmir Valley experienced unexpectedly high temperatures during February, which resulted in the early blooming of almonds, apples, pears, and other fruits.
Farmers and fruit growers have expressed serious concerns about the availability of water during the summer months. Except for some late winter snowfalls, particularly in the southern districts of the Valley, the winter season was generally cold and dry this year.
All requirements of safe drinking water, water for irrigation, and horticulture are completely dependent on these water bodies. These water bodies are sustained by perennial water reservoirs in the mountains that are replenished during the winter months.
Little snowfall in winter means a dry summer.
The maximum temperature was 17.6 in Srinagar and 31.2 in Jammu city yesterday.
The minimum temperature was 10.5 in Srinagar, 2.4 in Gulmarg, and 6.5 in Pahalgam today, while Jammu city had 19.9, Katra town 19.6, Batote 14.5, Banihal 12.9, and Bhaderwah 9.8 today.
With appreciable rainfall during the last 24 hours, day temperatures are likely to come down further in the coming days.
Given its distance from West Asia, the probability of acidic rain or black snow has been ruled out in Kashmir.