Srinagar, March 16 -- Rains lashed Jammu and Kashmir while snowfall was recorded over higher reaches of Kashmir on Sunday as meteorological centre has predicted . The weather was cloudy from early morning across Kashmir valley which led to rains at many places that intensified by noon. The mountainous areas like ski resort of Gulmarg in Baramulla, Gurez in Bandipora in north Kashmir and some parts of south Kashmir witnessed light snowfall bringing down the temperatures. J&K MeT meteorologist M Hussain Mir said that widespread rains were witnessed across Kashmir as a western disturbance - moisture laden winds from mediterranean- hit the region. Independent weather spotter, Faizan Arif said that heavy snowfall has cut off (south) Kashmir Valley from Kishtwar. "Reports suggest that 6 inches of snow so far has accumulated in the area," he said. The MeT , in an update, urged farmers to suspend spraying till March 20. "Possibility of thunder and gusty winds (40-50 KMPH) at few places during March 15-16 and 18-20. Farmers are advised to suspend farm operations during 15-20th March," itsaid. The MeT said that the erratic weather with intermittent rains will continue till March 20 as another western disturbance will hit the region on March 18. Fresh light rain and snowfall were witnessed in parts of Himachal Pradesh on Sunday even as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) office in Shimla forecasted similar weather conditions across parts of the state till March 21. While rainfall was recorded in many areas on Sunday, the higher reaches received light snowfall. The weather office has predicted light rain or snowfall in the higher hills, while mid-hill and plain areas are likely to witness light rainfall during this period. As per IMD, light to moderate rain or snowfall is likely at many places across the state on March 16, 18 and 19. Light precipitation is also expected at isolated places on March 17 and 21, while light to moderate precipitation may occur at a few locations on March 20. A fresh WD is likely to affect northwest India from March 17. For March 16 and 18, the IMD has sounded a yellow alert of thunderstorms with lightning, gusty winds at isolated places in several districts....