Fresh snowfall in Minamarg, Drass; Kashmir plains receive rains, hail

Srinagar, May 25: Fresh snowfall was reported from Minamarg and the Drass sector near the strategic Zoji La axis on Monday, while rainfall and hailstorm lashed several parts of Kashmir.
An official said the heavy snowfall covered the upper reaches of Minamarg and areas around Drass, reviving cold conditions in the region.
The fresh spell of snow led to a sharp dip in temperature in higher reaches, while several parts of Kashmir plains received rain and hailstorm during the day.
According to the Meteorological Department, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 23.3 degrees Celsius, which was 2.1 degrees below normal, while the minimum settled at 13.0 degrees Celsius.
Qazigund recorded a maximum of 21.6 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam 20.2 degrees Celsius, Kupwara 24.1 degrees Celsius, Kokernag 21.9 degrees Celsius and Gulmarg 13.6 degrees Celsius.
In Jammu division, Jammu city recorded a maximum temperature of 40.3 degrees Celsius, 1.9 degrees above normal, while Katra recorded 37.8 degrees Celsius and Batote 28.1 degrees Celsius.
The MeT department said Srinagar received 1.4 mm rainfall during the past 24 hours, while Pahalgam recorded 2.4 mm, Kupwara 3.1 mm and Gulmarg 2.0 mm rainfall.
The weather office has forecast generally dry weather during the forenoon on May 25, with the possibility of brief showers, gusty winds and hailstorm at scattered places towards afternoon or late afternoon hours.
It said weather is likely to remain generally hot and dry on May 26 and 27, while generally cloudy conditions with one or two spells of rain, thundershower, hailstorm and gusty winds are expected at scattered to fairly widespread places on May 28 and 29.
The MeT department has also issued an advisory warning of thunder, lightning, hailstorm and gusty winds with speeds of 40-50 kmph at a few places during Monday afternoon and again on May 28 and 29.
It further said heatwave conditions are likely at a few places in Jammu division during May 26 and 27 due to hot and dry weather. (KNO)