Pleasant weather to prevail in Kashmir on Eid: MeT

Srinagar, May 26: Pleasant weather conditions are expected to continue across Kashmir on Eid eve and in the days ahead, with the Meteorological Department forecasting no significant heatwave activity in Jammu and Kashmir over the next 10 days.

Officials said daytime temperatures across the Valley are likely to remain close to seasonal averages. At the same time, intermittent cloud cover and brief weather disturbances are expected to prevent any prolonged rise in temperatures.

Weather conditions improved across Kashmir on Tuesday as bright sunshine returned after several days of cloudy conditions and intermittent rainfall.

“The weather will remain generally warm and dry on Wednesday as well, with temperatures staying near normal. However, brief spells of intermittent rain at isolated places towards evening cannot be ruled out,” Meteorological Department (MeT) Director Mukhtar Ahmad said.

He said partly to generally cloudy weather is expected from May 28 to May 30, with chances of brief light rain and thundershowers at isolated places, mainly during late afternoon hours.

“Overall, no major weather activity is expected till the end of this month,” Ahmad added.

The department has already issued an advisory warning of isolated thunderstorms, hailstorms and gusty winds with speeds of 40-50 kmph on May 28 and 29.

On Tuesday, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 26 degrees Celsius, close to normal for this time of the year. Qazigund recorded 26.4 degrees Celsius, Kokernag 25.5 degrees Celsius and Kupwara 23.8 degrees Celsius. Pahalgam and Gulmarg recorded 20.6 degrees Celsius and 16.6 degrees Celsius, respectively.

In contrast, the Jammu region continued to witness intense heat, although traces of rainfall over the past few days brought slight relief in some areas.

Jammu city recorded a maximum temperature of 40 degrees Celsius, nearly two degrees above normal. Katra recorded 37.8 degrees Celsius, Banihal 26.7 degrees Celsius, Batote 28.5 degrees Celsius and Bhaderwah 28 degrees Celsius.

Officials said temperatures in the plains of Jammu are expected to rise further before witnessing a gradual decline from Thursday evening onwards.

A more noticeable drop is likely on Friday and Saturday, bringing relief from the recent hot conditions.

However, temperatures may begin to rise again from May 31.

The MeT said prevailing weather systems and localised disturbances are likely to keep extreme heat conditions at bay across Jammu and Kashmir during the current forecast period.