Srinagar, Jan. 14 -- A western disturbance is expected to hit Kashmir from January 16, raising hopes for a fresh spell of light to moderate snowfall in the valley, officials said on Tuesday.

According to the Meteorological Department officials, a weak Western Disturbance is likely to affect the weather system in the region on Friday, followed by a stronger system three days later.

While the higher reaches have received snow this winter, the plains continue to face a prolonged dry spell. This lack of precipitation has led to an increase in suspended particulate matter, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Srinagar hovering around the 180 mark.

On Monday evening, the AQI in the summer capital reached as high as 500.

Meanwhile, cold wave ...