Srinagar: Several parts of Jammu and Kashmir witnessed rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds and hail on Thursday following a spell of above-normal temperatures across the Union Territory. Fresh snowfall was also recorded in the Apharwat hills of Gulmarg and several other higher elevations in north Kashmir.
Weather officials said a fresh western disturbance influenced the weather conditions in Jammu and Kashmir during the day, causing rain and thundershowers in many areas.
Srinagar Meteorological Center (Met) said several places experienced brief heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning and gusts of wind during the afternoon and evening.
The department’s immediate forecast issued during the day had warned of rain and thundershowers at many places, with the possibility of hailstorm, lightning and strong winds in parts of Kulgam, Shopian, Rajouri, Ramban, Reasi, Udhampur, Doda and Kishtwar districts. It also warned of localized flash flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas due to heavy and short-lived rain.
Authorities said the lightning strike in the village of Sazaan sparked a forest fire in pine-covered areas. There were no immediate reports of casualties.
The Met advised people to stay indoors during storms and stay away from power poles, loose structures, overhead wires and old trees.
It also recommended suspension of boating and shikara operations in Dal Lake and other water bodies during periods of adverse weather.
Earlier in the day, temperatures remained above normal at most stations in Kashmir and Jammu regions. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 31.5 degrees Celsius, 3.5 degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 18.5 degrees Celsius, also 3.9 degrees above the seasonal average.
Qazigund recorded a maximum of 30.2 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 16.4 degrees Celsius, both above normal. Pahalgam recorded 25.9 degrees Celsius, while Kupwara recorded 30.2 degrees Celsius. Gulmarg, the coldest resort in the Union Territory, recorded a maximum temperature of 21.6 degrees Celsius.
In the Jammu region, Jammu city remained the hottest place with a maximum temperature of 41.8 degrees Celsius, three degrees above normal. Katra recorded 38.3 degrees Celsius, while Batote recorded 31.3 degrees Celsius. Bhadarwah recorded 27.2 degrees Celsius.
Rainfall during the day remained scattered with Batote receiving 24.6 mm and Bhadarwah 21.2 mm. Katra recorded 2.6 mm, while Pahalgam received 1.2 mm. Several stations reported only traces of rain.
The Meteorological Department has forecast partly cloudy to generally cloudy weather with light to moderate rain, brief heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds in many places until June 12.
From June 13 to June 17, the weather is expected to remain partly to generally cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorm activity, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours.
It advised orchard growers to avoid spraying operations on June 12 due to the likelihood of widespread thunderstorms. Spraying is possible during the morning hours on most days from June 14 onwards, subject to local weather conditions.
He said the storms are generally expected to be short-lived, but could be accompanied by hail and gusts of wind in isolated areas. (NO)
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