Heavy Snowfall Breaks Prolonged Dry Spell in Kashmir Valley Widespread heavy snowfall overnight ended a prolonged dry spell across Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, transforming the landscape and bringing relief from a persistent cold and arid period. In Bandipora district, the plains received 3 to 4 inches of snowfall, while the Gurez Valley witnessed fresh accumulation of over one foot. Authorities have closed the Bandipora–Gurez road for vehicular movement as a precautionary measure following heavy snow on the higher reaches. The fresh snowfall has brought much-needed relief to farmers and orchardists, who were worried about the prolonged dry conditions affecting soil moisture and winter crops. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread light to moderate rain and snow across Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, with the possibility of heavy precipitation at isolated places. Officials said the weather activity is expected to peak during the day, while another western disturbance is likely around January 26. The snowfall follows spells of rain and strong winds on Thursday that uprooted trees and forced precautionary power cuts in several areas of Srinagar.