Srinagar: The Metrological department predicted a wet spell with widespread rains, thunderstorms, and ‘snowfall’ over higher reaches for three days across Jammu and Kashmir on Friday.
Thunderstorms may be accompanied by strong gusty winds and rainfall is expected from Friday afternoon onwards. There is also a possibility of hailstorms on the plains during the time—of March 24-25, a meteorological department official said.
The department also asked farmers to postpone spraying orchards while commuters intending to travel on highways and other hilly areas have been asked to confirm road status from concerned traffic police before starting their journey.
Regarding temperature; he said that Kashmir’s capital, Srinagar recorded a low of 5.3°C against 5.2°C on the previous night above-normal by 0.3°C.
In South Kashmir; the gateway town of the valley, Qazigund logged a low of 4.0°C against 3.2°C on the previous night above normal by 0.3°C.
While the top tourist destination of Pahalgam recorded a low of 0.6°C against minus 0.2°C on the previous night- above normal by 0.2°C, Kokernag recorded a low of 4.7°C against 4.5°C on the previous night and it was 1.4°C above normal for the place, the officials said.
In north Kashmir; the mercury settled at 0.0°C same as on the previous night- above normal by 1.6°C in the world famous skiing resort, Gulmarg and Kupwara logged 4.0°C against 3.7°C on the previous night – above normal by 0.8°C.
Pir Panjal’s Banihal recorded a low of 5.0°C (below normal by 0.3°C), Batote 7.5°C (below normal by 0.6°C), and Chenab valley’s Bhadarwah logged 5.6°C (1.7°C above normal).
Jammu recorded 14.9°C against 13.8°C on the previous night – below normal by 0.6°C and Katra logged 12.0°C below normal by 0.5°C.
Ladakh’s Leh and Kargil, he said, recorded a low of minus 3.0°C and minus 1.9°C respectively.
(GNS)