The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that rain and snowfall are likely across Jammu and Kashmir starting today as a series of Western Disturbances are expected to affect the region over the next few days. An Akashvani Jammu correspondent reports that the local Meteorological Department has predicted that erratic weather conditions will continue until March 20, with intermittent rain in the plains and snowfall in higher areas. The first Western Disturbance is expected to influence the region starting today, bringing light to moderate rain and snowfall at many places today and tomorrow. Higher altitude areas such as Gulmarg and Sonamarg are likely to receive fresh snowfall, while some mountain passes may record snowfall ranging from about six inches to nearly two feet during the 48-hour period. The weather department said that daytime temperatures are likely to fall from the afternoon today and may remain 5 to 8 degrees Celsius below normal on March 16. Two more Western Disturbances are expected to affect the region from late evening of March 17 to March 20, bringing intermittent spells of rain or snowfall at several places. The weather conditions are likely to remain mostly dry between March 21 and 23, while scattered rain or snowfall in higher reaches may occur again on March 24 and 25. The department has advised travellers and transporters, especially those moving through higher reaches and mountain passes, to plan their travel accordingly. The farmers have been advised to suspend farm operations between March 15 and March 20. However, on Saturday, Jammu recorded a maximum temperature of 29.7 degrees Celsius, which was about four degrees above normal, while Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 19.4 degrees Celsius, which was also about four degrees above normal.