Rains lash J&K parts, temps above normal at several places

Srinagar, Oct 7: Light to moderate rain lashed parts of Jammu and Kashmir over the past 24 hours, with Jammu-Chatha recording the highest rainfall of 53.5 mm, while the Meteorological Centre forecast intermittent showers, thunderstorms and gusty winds at several places in the coming days.
Katra received 19 mm of rain, while Bhaderwah recorded 4 mm and Jammu 0.6 mm during the 24-hour period ending Wednesday morning, according to the Meteorological Centre, Srinagar.
Srinagar recorded trace rainfall, while Qazigund, Pahalgam, Kupwara, Kukernag, Gulmarg and Konibal also received trace or no measurable rainfall during the period.
The weather remained generally cloudy across many parts of the Union Territory, with light snowfall possible over higher reaches during spells of precipitation, the weather office said.
On October 8, generally cloudy weather with light rain and light snowfall over higher reaches is likely at scattered places, while another brief spell of light rain may occur towards the evening of October 9.
Weather conditions are likely to become more unsettled on October 10, with light rain or snowfall over higher reaches, thunderstorms and gusty winds expected at many places, particularly during the morning and forenoon hours.
Generally dry weather is expected from October 11 to the evening of October 13, followed by another spell of generally cloudy weather with light rain, light snowfall over higher reaches, thunderstorms and gusty winds at many places on October 14 and 15.
Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 24.6 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, 0.9 degrees below normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 9 degrees Celsius, 3.1 degrees above normal.
Qazigund recorded a maximum of 25 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 9.8 degrees, while Pahalgam recorded 19 degrees and 9.2 degrees respectively.
Kupwara recorded a maximum of 24.8 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 10 degrees, while Kokernag recorded 24.4 degrees and 9.8 degrees respectively.
Gulmarg recorded a maximum temperature of 14.5 degrees Celsius, the lowest among the Valley stations, while its minimum temperature was 6.8 degrees.
In the Jammu division, Jammu recorded a maximum temperature of 32.9 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 20.9 degrees. Kathua recorded the highest maximum temperature in the division at 33.6 degrees, while Katra recorded 29.6 degrees.
The weather office advised farmers to ensure safe storage of harvested apples and paddy during October 6-10 in view of the possibility of rain and gusty winds.
People have also been advised to stay away from loose structures, electric wires and old trees during periods of strong winds.
The Meteorological Centre said people should take necessary precautions during the forecast wet spells. (KNO)