Heavy rain, snowfall, hailstorm likely in J&K

Srinagar, April 3 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir is likely to experience inclement weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow and hailstorm, during the next three days, an official advisory said on Monday.

"An active western disturbance is likely to affect Jammu and Kashmir from April 4 to April 6," said the advisory issued by the divisional administration in Kashmir.

Based on the data provided to them by the local Met department, the divisional administration in the Valley said scattered to fairly widespread light rain at places with snowfall on higher reaches is likely to commence from Tuesday (April 4).

"The intensity and spatial distribution of precipitation will increase from Tuesday evening with widespread rainfall/snowfall (on higher reaches) on Wednesday and Thursday across the state.

"Heavy rain/thunderstorm accompanied with squally wind likely to occur at a few places in the state on Wednesday.

"Some places of the state likely to receive hailstorm on Wednesday and Thursday," the advisory said.

The advisory also cautioned people against the possibility of landslide and snow avalanche in vulnerable areas like Srinagar-Jammu and Srinagar-Leh (Zojila) Highway on Wednesday and Thursday.

"Passengers are advised to contact respective Traffic Control Rooms prior to their journey," the advisory said.

It also advised farmers to postpone their farm management practices like spraying of orchards and application of fertilisers.