Rains lash parts of Kashmir; MeT predicts heavy snow next week

Intermittent rains today lashed parts of Kashmir as the MeT department predicted wet weather during the next seven days with heavy rain or snow at isolated places in the Valley.
"Two Western Disturbances in quick succession are likely to affect Jammu and Kashmir and adjoining areas from this evening to April 4 with occasional gaps. Under the influence of these weather systems, moderate to heavy rain or snow (on hilly areas) will occur at most places in Kashmir, Jammu and at a few places in Ladakh region," Director MeT office Sonam Lotus said.
He said isolated places in the state may receive heavy rain or snow, mainly on March 29 and April 3.

"Accordingly, farmers are advised to avoid spraying of orchards and drain out excess water from the fields during these days," he said.
Lotus said the weather condition has the potential to trigger landslide in the avalanche prone areas and flash floods in vulnerable areas of the state.
"The weather system may also disrupt surface and air transport during these days," he said.

The director said there would be significant decrease in day temperatures and slight rise in night temperature owing to cloud cover.
Srinagar had recorded the hottest day of the season at 23.3 degrees Celsius yesterday - five degrees above normal for this part of the season but the heat was short lived as heavy cloud cover engulfed the Valley since wee hours with occasional spell of rains.

After almost dry weather during peak winter (December- February), Srinagar and other parts of the Valley experienced at least three spells of snowfall during this month, bringing cheer to the people especially farmers, tourists and winter sports lovers.
However, the latest prediction has caused panic among the denizens in general and farmers in particular in view of unprecedented floods in September last year which claimed nearly 300 lives and rendered thousands homeless besides destroying business.
Visitors have started thronging Badamwari garden (Almond Alcove) in downtown Srinagar over the past week to enjoy the blossoming of almond trees which signal the advent of spring in the Valley.