Ending a prolonged dry spell, snow and rain lashed several parts of north India today. <br/><br/>In Jammu and Kashmir, the first major snowfall was witnessed in many areas of the Kashmir Valley this winter. The fresh snowfall has led to the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway for vehicular traffic due to accumulation of snow around Jawahar Tunnel in Qazigund area.<br/><br/>In Himachal Pradesh, the mid and higher hills witnessed intermittent moderate snowfall this morning, while widespread rains lashed the lower hills of the state.<br/><br/>"Most parts of the state are experiencing fresh snowfall which has desrupted normal life of the people. The district headquarter of tribal Lahual Spiti district Keylong received more than one feet fresh snow while Rohtang Pass received more than 2 and half feet fresh snowfall. <br/><br/>The higher areas of Chamba, Kullu and Shimla districts are also experiencing fresh snow fall. Tourists are enjoying fresh snowfall at Manali, Solang Nallah, Kufri, Chail and Narkanda. The local MeT Department has predicted rains and snow at mid and high hills for next 24 Hours.<br/><br/>In Uttarakhand, higher peaks of Kumaon and Garhwal witnessed snowfall whereas, lower hills and plains received intermittent rain. <br/><br/>"Severe cold is being experienced throughout the State. Temperature has fallen drastically in Garhwal and Kumaon region following snowfall and rain. Badrinath, Kedarnath, Hemkund Sahib, Gangotri, Yamunotri and the upper reaches of Munsyari and Dharchula received heavy snowfall. Several other hill areas and the plains including Dehradun had rainfall. The farmers have hailed the rains as it will improve the production of Rabi crops. State Meteorological department, Director Bikram Singh has said that the change of weather is due to passage of western disturbance and more rain and snowfall is predicted in the hilly districts in next 12 hours. <br/><br/>Rain lashed several areas in Punjab and Haryana, bringing cheers to farmers as the current wet spell is considered highly beneficial for wheat and other crops. <br/>