Rains lash J&K; MeT predicts more precipitation

Srinagar, Apr 18:   Parts of Jammu and Kashmir experienced fresh rainfall on Thursday, with the Meteorological Department forecasting more precipitation in the next 24 hours.

Despite the cloud cover, the night temperature has risen, but daytime temperatures are expected to drop.

A Meteorological Department official here said that Srinagar and Jammu cities received traces of rainfall while Qazigund and Gulmarg had 0.4 mm and 0.2 mm rainfall until 8:30 am.

The MeT predicted “widespread light to moderate rain and thunders” on April 18 and 19.

The MeT official said, “On April 18 and 19, generally cloudy weather with light to moderate rain and light snow over higher reaches is expected at most places with thunder and lightning during April 18 evening to April 19 late evening and night.”

For the weekend, light rain is expected at scattered places while from April 21 to 25, generally dry weather is expected.

However, afternoon thundershower activity at isolated places cannot be ruled out.

Generally, cloudy weather with light rain coupled with thunder has been forecasted for many places from April 26 to 27.

Regarding temperatures, the official said that Srinagar recorded a minimum of 12.5 degrees Celsius, which was 4.6 degrees Celsius above normal for this time of year.

Qazigund recorded a minimum of 9.6 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam 7.2 degrees Celsius, Kokernag 11.2 degrees Celsius, Kupwara 10.9 degrees Celsius, and Gulmarg 3.2 degrees Celsius.

Jammu recorded a minimum of 21.4 degrees Celsius, which was above normal by 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Banihal recorded a low of 13.2 degrees Celsius, Batote 14.3 degrees Celsius, and Bhaderwah 11.8 degrees Celsius.

Residents and travellers in the region have been advised to stay updated with the weather forecast and take necessary precautions.

Srinagar district administration on Thursday issued an advisory to the people living in the district, especially to those living along the water bodies in the wake of rain forecast by the Indian Meteorological Department for the next two days.

“Given the inclement weather with a forecast of rainfall from April 18 to 20 by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Srinagar Station, the people of the district in general, and those residing on the left and right banks of River Jhelum and its tributaries and Nallahs in particular are advised to refrain from venturing in and around these water bodies and limit their activities till the improvement of weather,” reads an advisory. “Further, the tourists, local Shikarawallas, sand miners, and boat crossing points for travel at Dal Lake and River Jhelum and other water bodies should not attempt to cross before verifying the condition and situation of these water bodies.”

“People can contact Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) Srinagar at 911942502254, and Police Control Srinagar at 9419411619 and 01942477567 for any information,” the advisory read.