Wet spell grips J&K; higher reaches receive light snow

Srinagar, May 4: Intermittent rain lashed the Kashmir plains and parts of the Jammu region on Monday, with higher reaches receiving fresh snowfall, the Meteorological Department said.

“Srinagar and other areas in the valley plains experienced intermittent spells of light to moderate rainfall,” a Met official said, adding that some areas also witnessed hail and gusty winds.

Higher reaches, including the Gulmarg ski resort and mountain passes such as Sadhna Top, Pir Ki Gali along Mughal Road, Sinthan Top and Margan Top, received light snowfall.

Srinagar recorded 10.2 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, followed by Qazigund (8.2 mm), Pahalgam (6.0 mm), Kupwara (9.2 mm), Kokernag (8.6 mm) and Gulmarg (4.3 mm).

The impact of a western disturbance was more pronounced in the Jammu division, where widespread rainfall was reported in most areas.

Jammu recorded 23.3 mm of rainfall, while Udhampur received 41.6 mm, Rajouri 50.0 mm, Poonch 16.0 mm, Katra 8.3 mm, Reasi 36.5 mm and Banihal 0.9 mm. Kathua also received significant rainfall.

Temperatures dropped across both regions.

Srinagar recorded a maximum of 20.5°C, 2.2 degrees below normal. Qazigund reported 19.6°C, Pahalgam 16.8°C and Gulmarg 11.0°C.

In Jammu, the maximum temperature settled at 30.4°C, 5.7 degrees below normal. Banihal recorded 22.2°C, Batote 19.1°C, Katra 25.6°C and Bhaderwah 18.5°C.

“Intermittent light to moderate rain, along with snowfall in higher reaches, will continue on Tuesday, accompanied by thunder, hail and gusty winds at a few places,” the official said.

Some areas in Kashmir may receive light to moderate rainfall, while higher elevations could see light to moderate snowfall until Tuesday.

Director of the Meteorological Department Mukhtar Ahmad said the weather is expected to remain largely dry from May 6 to 9, although brief afternoon showers cannot be ruled out.

Between May 10 and 12, conditions are likely to stay mostly dry, with scattered light rain or thundershowers at a few places.

Authorities issued an advisory warning of thunderstorms, hailstorms and gusty winds reaching 40-50 km/h at isolated locations.

There is also a risk of landslides and flash floods in vulnerable areas.

People have been advised to suspend boating and shikara activities during adverse weather and to avoid weak structures, electric poles and overhead wires.

Residents are urged to remain indoors during lightning activity.

Farmers have been advised to resume agricultural operations after May 5.

A gradual rise in daytime temperatures is expected from Wednesday.