Srinagar, Nov 9: Jammu and Kashmir is likely to experience widespread rain and snowfall on November 12 and 13 as a relatively intense Western Disturbance is expected to affect the Union Territory, the Meteorological Centre Srinagar has forecast.

The weather system is likely to bring light to moderate rainfall in the plains and snowfall over higher reaches, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds at isolated places. Day temperatures are expected to drop by 6–8 degrees Celsius during the period.
Director Meteorological Centre Srinagar, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, said an initial Western Disturbance would approach J&K on November 10, bringing the possibility of light snowfall over isolated mountainous areas, particularly in North and Central Kashmir.
Another moderate-intensity Western Disturbance is expected to affect the region around November 12, potentially triggering widespread snowfall across the higher reaches of North, Central and South Kashmir, besides the Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley regions.
Some higher-altitude areas may receive moderate snowfall, while thunderstorms and gusty winds are also likely at places.
The Meteorological Department has cautioned that fresh snowfall could disrupt traffic on important mountain passes and hilly roads, including Zojila, Sadhna Pass, Razdan Pass, Mughal Road and Sinthan Top.
Travellers, tourists and transporters have been advised to plan their journeys carefully, check road and highway conditions before travelling and follow traffic advisories issued by the authorities.
The department has also advised farmers to suspend harvesting activities on November 12 and 13 and ensure safe storage of crops already harvested.
Dr Ahmad said temperatures could decline significantly after the precipitation, with daytime readings likely to remain 5–8 degrees Celsius below normal during the subsequent period.
Meanwhile, weather conditions remained dry across J&K on Monday, with no rainfall recorded during the preceding 24 hours.
According to the department's station-wise data, Shopian recorded a minimum temperature of minus 0.7 degrees Celsius, followed by Pulwama at minus 0.1 degrees, while Srinagar recorded a minimum of 1 degree Celsius at its automatic weather station.
The Meteorological Department has advised people, particularly those travelling through higher-altitude areas, to exercise caution in view of the possibility of fresh snowfall and slippery road conditions.