Srinagar, Nov 8:  A western disturbance hit the Kashmir Valley Tuesday with the local weather office forecasting rain and snow during the next three days. Travelers on Srinagar-Leh highway have been advised to take precautions.
"A western disturbance has hit the Valley today. We are expecting light to moderate rain in the plains and moderate snowfall in the higher reaches. Those intending to undertake the Srinagar-Leh journey must consult the local traffic authorities before starting the journey. Snowfall expected during this period on the Zojila Pass (connecting the Ladakh region with the rest of the country) could inconvenience the travellers," Sonam Lotus, director of the local weather office, told IANS.
A western disturbance is a non-monsoonal precipitation pattern driven by the westerlies, or winds blowing from the west to the east.
Winter has set in earlier than scheduled in the Valley this year. The cold weather conditions have forced the locals to wear woolens right from the middle of the last month.
Temp slips below freezing point
Some parts of Kashmir Valley today experienced chilling weather with mercury dipping below the freezing point, MeT officials said. The skiing resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded a minimum temperature of minus 1.6 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 1.4 deg C. In Srinagar, the temperature slipped to a minimum of 1.6 deg C. According to a Met forecast, several parts of the Valley may receive snow and rainfall on Wednesday. Kashmir witnesses four months of chilling winter season, beginning November, with day temperatures frequently slipping below the freezing point.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 8 Nov 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 8 Nov 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 9 Nov 2011 00:00:00 IST