Srinagar, 11 March (H.S.): The Meteorological Department on Wednesday predicted erratic weather conditions across Jammu and Kashmir till March 19, with intermittent spells of rain and snow expected in several parts of the union Territory.

Over the last 24 hours precipitation across Kashmir remained scattered, with some areas receiving rainfall while many places stayed dry.

According to the Meteorological Centre in Srinagar, the weather will remain generally cloudy till Thursday, with light to moderate rain in the plains and snowfall in higher reaches at scattered to many places.

The MeT department said that the weather is expected to remain generally dry on March 13 and 14, providing a brief relief after the ongoing wet spell.

However, cloud cover is likely to return on March 15 and 16, with the possibility of light rain in plains and snowfall in higher altitudes during the night of March 15 and morning of March 16 at scattered locations.

Officials said that on March 17, the weather will remain generally cloudy with chances of light rain or snowfall in higher reaches at isolated places towards the night.

From March 18 to 19, cloudy conditions are likely to persist with the possibility of light rain or snowfall at scattered places across the region. Thereafter, from March 20 to 21, the weather is expected to remain generally dry, although a brief spell of light rain at isolated places cannot be ruled out.

The department has also issued an advisory warning of possible temporary traffic disruptions over higher reaches and important mountain passes due to the weather conditions.

Meanwhile, the MeT department said night temperatures across Kashmir and Jammu divisions have remained significantly above normal.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar