Srinagar/UNI: The weather office in Srinagar has predicted rain and snowfall over Kashmir mountains from Monday due to the fast moving Western Disturbance.

This disturbance will be of short duration and the weather is expected to clear up from Wednesday.

The meteorological department (MeT) is expecting precipitation over higher reaches from Monday.

“Rain/snowfall over higher reaches is likely at scattered places of Jammu and Kashmir during October 9 evening/night with main activity on October 10( 70-80% chance)," the MeT said on Saturday.

An independent weather forecaster said that snowfall is expected in some higher reaches, including Zojila, Mughal Road, Sinthan Top, various other parts of the Pir Panjal Range, and the higher elevations of Gurez, Baramulla, Anantnag, and Kupwara districts.

"Snowfall is not expected in the plains," he said.

The MeT said after two days of wet weather, mainly dry weather is expected from October 14-20.

“A brief spell of rain/snowfall over higher reaches can't be ruled out, although chances are less,” MeT said.

This year, Kashmir has witnessed long dry weather and above-normal temperatures leading to dropping levels in Jhelum and other water bodies.

On September 25, rain broke the dry spell in Kashmir as upper reaches, including the ski resort of Gulmarg, received the season's first snowfall.