MeT predicts rain, hailstorm, gusty winds across J&K

Srinagar, Apr 28: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday forecast generally cloudy weather with spells of light rain and thundershowers across Jammu and Kashmir over the next two days, accompanied by gusty winds and possible hailstorms at isolated places.
According to the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, many places are likely to witness intermittent rain and thunderstorms on April 28–29, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours. Hailstorms are also expected at a few locations.
The weather is expected to improve slightly on April 30 with partly cloudy skies and brief spells of light rain at isolated places. From May 1–2, conditions are likely to remain largely dry, although brief showers cannot be ruled out.
However, another spell of generally cloudy weather with light rain and thundershowers is forecast between May 3 and 5 at scattered to many places. From May 6–9, the region is expected to remain mostly dry, with chances of brief showers at isolated locations.
The MeT department has issued an advisory asking farmers to suspend agricultural operations on April 28–29 in view of expected rainfall, gusty winds and possible hailstorms.
Meanwhile, daytime temperatures across the Valley remained below normal. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 21.2°C, which is 1.9 degrees below normal, while the minimum settled at 12.6°C, 3.1 degrees above normal.
Qazigund registered a high of 20.0°C, while Pahalgam recorded 18.2°C. Kupwara saw a maximum of 21.0°C and Kokernag 20.2°C. Gulmarg, the coldest among the recorded stations, registered a maximum of 15.0°C.
In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded a maximum temperature of 32.6°C, 3.1 degrees below normal, and a minimum of 25.1°C. Banihal and Batote recorded 21.6°C and 20.1°C, respectively, while Katra registered 30.0°C.
Light rainfall was recorded at several stations during the day, including Pahalgam (7.2 mm), Kupwara (2.0 mm), and Kukernag (1.8 mm), while Srinagar recorded 0.1 mm.
The department said the weather conditions may lead to temporary disruptions and advised people to remain cautious during the afternoon and evening hours. (KNO)