Weather to improve from tomorrow: MeT

Srinagar, Mar 19: Even as Meteorological Department predicted that weather will remain inclement till tomorrow, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed snowfall and intermittent rains for the fifth consecutive day on Thursday, triggering a sharp dip in temperatures across the region.
According to the data, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 9.5 degrees Celsius, around 6.5 degrees below normal, while Qazigund and Kupwara settled at 9.4 degrees each, both significantly below seasonal averages. Pahalgam recorded 7.0 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg remained the coldest at 2.5 degrees Celsius.
In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded a maximum of 20.2 degrees Celsius, over 7 degrees below normal. Other places including Banihal, Batote and Bhaderwah also recorded below-normal temperatures.
Officials said light to moderate rainfall was recorded at most places, with Baramulla receiving 29.5 mm, Poonch 29 mm and Batote 25.5 mm. Gulmarg recorded around 23 cm of fresh snowfall, while Pahalgam received over 20 mm of precipitation. Fresh snowfall of around 5 to 6 inches was also reported in Gulmarg since Tuesday.
The Meteorological Department said: “Generally cloudy skies with intermittent light to moderate rain or snow are expected at most places on March 20. Higher reaches of the Chenab Valley and South Kashmir may receive moderate to heavy snowfall.
He said the main activity of the system has already brought widespread precipitation across Jammu and Kashmir.
The MeT office also warned of thunderstrikes and gusty winds with speeds of 40 to 50 kmph at isolated places, along with the possibility of hailstorms, particularly in parts of the Jammu region.
An advisory has been issued for travellers and transporters to plan their movement carefully, especially across higher reaches and key mountain passes.
The department said weather conditions are expected to improve from March 21, with generally dry weather likely to prevail till March 25, except for a brief spell of rain or snow at isolated places around March 23.
Farmers have been advised to resume agricultural operations from March 21 onwards, subject to local conditions.
Another spell of rain and snowfall is likely towards the end of the month, between March 29 and 31, officials said. (KNO)