Srinagar, March 7: The Meteorological Department has forecast generally cloudy weather with light rain in plains and light snowfall over higher reaches across Jammu and Kashmir from March 7 to March 12.
Officials said the wet spell may lead to a drop in daytime temperatures by around 3 to 5 degrees Celsius across many parts of the Union Territory.
According to the MeT department, intermittent cloud cover along with scattered rainfall is expected in the plains, while the higher reaches of Kashmir and Jammu divisions may receive light snowfall during the period.
Weather officials said the conditions may bring temporary relief from the prevailing dry spell that has affected the region during the winter months.
Meanwhile, the water level in River Jhelum has fallen to minus 0.86 feet at Sangam in south Kashmir, which officials described as unusually low for early March.
Hydrological data indicates that the reduced water level is linked to deficient winter precipitation this year, with snowfall and rainfall remaining below normal in many areas of Kashmir.
Experts say the low level of the river has raised concerns about water availability for the upcoming paddy cultivation season, which heavily depends on irrigation channels fed by the Jhelum and its tributaries.
Farmers in several districts rely on the river system to irrigate paddy fields during the summer months, and prolonged dry conditions could affect agricultural planning if precipitation remains below normal.
Officials said the weather situation is being closely monitored and any significant change in forecast will be communicated accordingly. (KNT)
