MeT predicts rain, snowfall in J&K

Weather department on Friday forecast widespread rains and thunderstorm with snowfall over higher reaches at most places of Jammu and Kashmir till weekend.

A meteorological department official that there was possibility of hailstorm in plains during the time – 24-25 March.

“Thunderstorm may be accompanied by strong gusty winds. Rain likely to commence from (March 24) afternoon onwards,” he said.

The weather department also urged farmers to “postpone” spraying of orchards while commuters intending to travel on highway and other hilly areas have been asked to confirm road status from concerned traffic police before starting their journey.

Regarding temperature, the MeT official said, Srinagar recorded a low of 5.3°C against 5.2°C on the previous night and it was 0.3°C above normal for the summer capital.

Pahalgam, he said, recorded a low of 0.6°C against minus 0.2°C on the previous night and it was 0.2°C above normal for the famous tourist resort in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

Gulmarg recorded a low of 0.0°C, the same as on the previous night and it was 1.6°C above normal for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, he said.

Jammu recorded a low of 14.9°C against 13.8°C on the previous night. It was 0.6°C below normal for J&K’s winter capital, he said.

Banihal, he said, recorded a low of 5.0°C (below normal by 0.3°C), Batote 7.5°C (below normal by 0.6°C), Katra 12.0°C (0.5°C below normal) and Bhadarwah 5.6°C (1.7°C above normal).

Ladakh’s Leh and Kargil, he said, recorded a low of minus 3.0°C and minus 1.9°C respectively