Cloudy weather, rains likely in Kashmir: MeT

Srinagar, Apr 27: The Meteorological Department on Monday forecast generally cloudy weather with spells of light rain and thundershowers across Jammu and Kashmir over the next two days, while parts of the Jammu region are likely to experience heat wave conditions.
According to the MeT Centre Srinagar, scattered to many places in the Union Territory are expected to receive light rain or thundershowers accompanied by gusty winds and possible hailstorm towards afternoon or evening hours on April 27 and 28.
The department said the weather is likely to remain partly cloudy on April 29 and 30, with brief spells of light rain or thunder at a few places, mainly during late afternoon hours.
From May 1 to 2, conditions are expected to remain largely dry, although brief showers in the afternoon cannot be ruled out. Another spell of generally cloudy weather with light rain or thundershowers at scattered places is likely between May 3 and 4, while the period from May 5 to 8 is expected to remain mostly dry, with isolated brief showers.
The MeT department has issued an advisory asking farmers to suspend farm operations on April 28 in view of the expected weather activity.
At the same time, hot and dry weather conditions are likely to persist in parts of the Jammu division, particularly in Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Reasi and Udhampur districts, over the next 24 hours. The department warned of heat wave conditions at isolated places on April 27 and advised people to avoid heat exposure during peak hours and stay hydrated.
Temperature data released by the department showed that Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 28.5 degrees Celsius, which is 5.4 degrees above normal, while the minimum settled at 11.9 degrees Celsius.
In Jammu, the maximum temperature settled at 38.5 degrees Celsius, around 2.8 degrees above normal, indicating prevailing hot conditions, while the minimum was recorded at 22.0 degrees Celsius.
Among other places, Qazigund recorded a maximum of 27.8 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam 24.2 degrees Celsius and Kupwara 25.3 degrees Celsius. Gulmarg, a popular tourist destination, recorded a maximum temperature of 18.2 degrees Celsius.
The MeT department said the changing weather patterns may lead to localised disruptions and urged residents to follow advisories issued from time to time. (KNO)