Srinagar, Nov 08 (HS): The Meteorological Centre (MeT) Srinagar has forecast a change in the weather in Jammu and Kashmir from Nov 10, with light rain and snow likely at many places. Higher reaches are expected to receive fresh snowfall after a dry spell.

According to the MeT, the weather will remain mainly dry on Nov 8 and 9. It will turn cloudy on Nov 10 and 11, with a spell of light rain or light snow (on higher reaches) at scattered places towards the evening of Nov 10.

Light to moderate rain and snow (on higher reaches) is likely at many places on Nov 12 and 13, towards the evening of Nov 12. Weather will be partly cloudy on Nov 14.

The MeT said there is also a possibility of thunder and gusty winds at a few places between Nov 10 and 12.

In its advisory, the MeT said fresh snow over higher reaches may disrupt traffic on important passes and hilly roads. It advised travellers and transporters to plan their journeys accordingly and follow traffic advisories. Farmers have been advised to store harvested crops safely.

Weather expert Sonam Lotus said Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh would remain cloudy from the evening of Nov 10 till Nov 16. Snowfall is possible during this period, particularly in hilly areas, he said, adding that Zojila on the Srinagar-Leh highway is among the places likely to receive snow.

Lotus had earlier told Hindusthan Samachar that western disturbances moving towards the region could also bring light to moderate rain or snow to the plains of the Valley. He cautioned, however, that such systems can change direction or weaken at any time, so nothing can be said with certainty. He added that day temperatures are expected to drop gradually in the coming days.

Meanwhile, the Valley remained sunny on Sunday. A large number of tourists and locals were seen at tourist spots and at Srinagar’s Sunday Market. Many tourists were also seen taking photographs under chinar trees, whose leaves have turned to autumn colours.

Mornings and evenings in the Valley are quite cold, but days have remained mostly sunny, with people seen enjoying the sunshine in parks, courtyards and on shopfront ledges. Farmers have been making the most of the dry, pleasant days and can be seen busy in their fields, threshing grounds and orchards through the day.

With the gradual increase in cold, demand for kangris, the traditional fire pots, is rising, and people are buying them. Many have also begun wearing the traditional pheran.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Zahoor Hussain Bhat