The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted generally cloudy weather across Jammu and Kashmir for the next two days, with forecasts of light rain, thundershowers, gusty winds, and isolated hailstorms. The advisory has prompted farmers to suspend agricultural activities during this period.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the Meteorological Centre Srinagar anticipates intermittent rain and thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon and evening hours on April 28 and 29. The possibility of hailstorms has also been flagged for a few locations within the region.
Weather conditions are expected to see a slight improvement on April 30, with partly cloudy skies and isolated light rain showers. A largely dry spell is anticipated from May 1 to May 2, although brief showers cannot be entirely ruled out. However, a subsequent spell of generally cloudy weather, featuring light rain and thundershowers, is forecast to affect scattered to many areas between May 3 and May 5. The period from May 6 to May 9 is projected to be mostly dry, with only minor chances of isolated brief showers.
In response to the impending weather system, the MeT department has issued an advisory for farmers. They have been advised to suspend all agricultural operations on April 28 and 29, taking into account the expected rainfall, gusty winds, and the potential for hailstorms. This precautionary measure aims to mitigate potential damage to crops and farming activities.
Meanwhile, current daytime temperatures across the Kashmir Valley are reportedly remaining below normal. In Srinagar, the maximum temperature recorded was 21.2°C, a deviation of 1.9 degrees below the average, while the minimum temperature settled at 12.6°C, which is 3.1 degrees above normal. Other stations in the valley also experienced similar temperature trends. Qazigund recorded a high of 20.0°C, Pahalgam registered 18.2°C, Kupwara noted a maximum of 21.0°C, and Kokernag saw 20.2°C. Gulmarg, experiencing the coldest conditions among the recorded stations, recorded a maximum temperature of 15.0°C.
In the Jammu region, the provincial capital, Jammu city, recorded a maximum temperature of 32.6°C, a figure that is 3.1 degrees below the expected average. The minimum temperature in Jammu city stood at 25.1°C. Banihal registered a maximum of 21.6°C, and Batote recorded 20.1°C. Katra observed a maximum temperature of 30.0°C.
Light rainfall has been recorded at several locations over the past day. Pahalgam received 7.2 mm of rain, Kupwara recorded 2.0 mm, and Kukernag reported 1.8 mm. Srinagar received a minimal 0.1 mm of rainfall.
The IMD has cautioned that the prevailing weather conditions could lead to temporary disruptions in normal life. Residents have been advised to exercise caution, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours, to ensure safety amidst the expected adverse weather.
The Chenab Times News Desk