Srinagar, March 21 -- Rains in the plains and snowfall over higher reaches, including the ski resort of Gulmarg, were recorded in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. The meteorological department reported that the past 24 hours witnessed light to moderate rain and snowfall at most places. Throughout the night, incessant rains occurred across the plains, including Srinagar. Pahalgam recorded a maximum of 20.8mm of rain and Qazigund 18.6mm. Sonamarg also received fresh snowfall, signalling a return to winter conditions after a brief dry spell. Braving this inclement weather, over 31,000 pilgrims visited the holy town of Katra to pay obeisance at the Mata Vaishno Devi temple on the first day of Navratri. Despite the rain on Friday, devotees continued to trek the serpentine pathway to the Trikuta Hills. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has implemented multi-layer security involving the CRPF, police, and army, supported by 24/7 CCTV surveillance and facilities for the disabled. The precipitation has significantly brought down day temperatures across the region. Srinagar recorded a maximum of 9.5degC on Thursday, well below the normal of 16degC, while the minimum settled at 6.3degC. In North Kashmir, Gulmarg recorded a daytime maximum of 2.5degC and a night temperature of -1degC. Pahalgam witnessed a high of 7degC and a low of 1.8degC. The MeT department expects the weather to clear from Saturday, which will be celebrated as Eid across Jammu and Kashmir. MeT director Mukhtar Ahmad said that March 21 to 24 will see dry weather and a gradual rise in day temperatures. Farmers have been advised to resume all operations from March 21 until March 26. However, another spell of rain and snow is projected for many places between March 29 and 31, following a period of generally cloudy weather with light precipitation in the higher reaches starting March 26. Mughal road, Srinagar-Leh highway has closed beenclosed for traffic following heavy snowfall and no traffic will be allowed till its clearance, the officials informed ....