Srinagar, March 19: The upper reaches in Valley received a fresh snowfall while plains including Srinagar were lashed by rains for the second consecutive day on Thursday, bringing down temperatures across the region.

According to meteorological data, most parts of Jammu and Kashmir witnessed light to moderate precipitation over the past 24 hours. In north Kashmir, Baramulla recorded 29.5 mm of rainfall, while Poonch in the Jammu division received 29 mm. Batote registered 25.5 mm of rain.
Tourist resort of Pahalgam recorded 20.6 mm of precipitation, while Gulmarg witnessed significant snowfall with an accumulation of around 23 cm. Officials said snowfall continued at the ski resort.
The MeT has forecast widespread light to moderate rain, snowfall and thunderstorms across the union Territory over the next 24 hours, with isolated areas likely to receive heavy precipitation. It added that a few higher reaches, particularly in the Chenab Valley and south Kashmir, may receive moderate to heavy snowfall during this period.
However, relief is likely thereafter, with the weather expected to remain largely dry from March 21 to 25, barring a brief spell of light rain or snow at isolated places on March 23.
Amid the ongoing wet spell, temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir have shown marked variation. Day temperatures have dropped significantly, remaining 5-8°C below normal in many parts of the Kashmir division and 5-10°C below normal in the Jammu division due to persistent rain and snowfall.
In contrast, night temperatures have remained relatively milder in Kashmir, staying 1-2°C above normal at several places, while many parts of Jammu recorded 0-2°C below normal. The lowest minimum temperature was recorded at Gulmarg at minus 1.4°C in Kashmir, and at Bhaderwah at 4.8°C in the Jammu division.
The Meteorological Department has issued an advisory warning of heavy rain and snowfall in higher reaches at a few places during the night, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph. There is also a possibility of hailstorms at isolated locations.
The MeT has advised farmers to resume farming after March 21.