Snow and rain in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh have kept the mercury low in the higher reaches even as the cold abated in the northern plains with the minimum temperature rising by up to seven degree celsius at some places.<br/><br/>The Kashmir valley continues to experience fresh snow fall and rain for the last two days and more snow is expected in the next 48 hours. The traffic on Jammu-Srinagar Highway, which remained suspended for last two days, was partially restored on Sunday. In the world famous ski resort of Gulmarg, four feet snow is accumulated and the prospects of winter sports has brightened. An avalanche warning has been issued for the higher reaches like Sonmarg, Drass, Machil and Keran. <br/><br/>In Himachal Pradesh, heavy snowfall in high-altitude areas and rain in the state capital and other lower areas intensified cold conditions. A report from Keylong, the district headquarters of Lahaul-Spiti, said about two feet of snow has accumulated on the roads. Deputy Commissioner Ritesh Chauhan announced closure of schools on Monday due to snowfall.<br/><br/>However, the cold abated in the northern plains as Hisar in Haryana recorded a low of 14.3 degrees, seven notches above normal.<br/><br/>In Punjab, the low at Amritsar was 12.2 degrees, six notches above normal and Patiala saw the mercury settle at 12.5 degrees, four degrees above normal.<br/><br/>In the national capital, it was a warm day as the mercury was recorded at 30.1 degrees. The night temperature was recorded at 11.8 degrees, three notches above normal.<br/>