Rains, thunderstorms, gusty winds hit Kashmir parts

Srinagar, Jun 24: Several parts of Jammu and Kashmir witnessed rain, thundershowers, gusty winds and hailstorm activity on Wednesday evening as the Meteorological Department forecast a fresh spell of widespread rainfall across the Union Territory from June 30 to July 3.
An official of Meteorological Centre Srinagar said that rain and thundershowers affected many areas of Kupwara, Handwara, Baramulla, Sopore, Ganderbal and Bandipora districts, besides parts of Srinagar, Poonch, Rajouri and Kishtwar. Weather activity was also reported along the Sonamarg-Baltal-Holy Cave and Pahalgam-Holy Cave axis.
Officials said some places experienced brief intense showers, thunderstorms, gusty winds and hailstorm activity, particularly in North and Central Kashmir. Localised waterlogging was reported in some low-lying areas of Srinagar following heavy showers.
The weather office advised people to remain indoors during thunderstorms and stay away from electric poles, wires, loose structures and old trees. Boating and shikara operations were also advised to be suspended during adverse weather conditions.
The MeT office said Jammu and Kashmir is likely to witness generally dry weather during mornings and afternoons till June 29, although isolated to scattered places may receive brief spells of rain or thundershowers accompanied by gusty winds during late afternoon and evening hours.
From June 30 to July 3, a fresh spell of light to moderate rain and thundershowers is expected at many places across the Union Territory, with the possibility of brief intense showers, thunderstorms and gusty winds, it said.
The weather office warned that intense showers could trigger flash floods, mudslides and landslides at isolated locations and advised people to avoid streams, nallahs and vulnerable areas.
Meanwhile, temperatures remained above normal across most parts of Kashmir.
Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 32 degrees Celsius, 2.8 degrees above normal, while Qazigund registered 31.6 degrees Celsius, 4.2 degrees above normal. Gulmarg recorded 23.2 degrees Celsius and Pahalgam 25.7 degrees Celsius.
In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded a maximum temperature of 39.5 degrees Celsius, while Katra registered 36 degrees Celsius. Banihal recorded 30.9 degrees Celsius and Batote 29.1 degrees Celsius.
The Meteorological Department said it was closely monitoring the evolving weather situation and urged residents, tourists and pilgrims to follow official advisories. (KNO)