Temperatures plunge below normal, 23 cm snow in Gulma
MeT warns of gusty winds, hailstorm in next 24 hours
Irfan Yattoo
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir remained under the grip of an intense wet spell for the fifth consecutive day on Thursday, with widespread rain and snowfall pushing temperatures well below normal, even as the Meteorological Department forecast improvement in weather from March 21, bringing possible relief ahead of Eid.
Most parts of Jammu and Kashmir witnessed light to moderate rain, while higher reaches received fresh snowfall, disrupting normal life and intensifying the cold conditions across the region at a time when markets are gearing up for Eid-ul-Fitr.
According to the MeT Centre Srinagar, light to moderate rain and snow was recorded at most places in the past 24 hours. Baramulla received 29.5 mm rainfall, Poonch 29 mm and Batote 25.5 mm, while Pahalgam recorded 20.6 mm precipitation. Gulmarg received around 23 cm of fresh snowfall.
In the Kashmir Valley, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 9.5°C, around 6.5 degrees below normal. Qazigund and Kupwara registered 9.4°C each, while Pahalgam recorded 7.0°C. Gulmarg remained the coldest at 2.5°C.
In the Jammu division, Jammu city recorded a maximum of 20.2°C, over 7 degrees below normal, while Banihal, Batote, and Bhaderwah also reported below-normal temperatures.
The MeT department said the weather will remain generally cloudy with intermittent light to moderate rain or snow at most places on March 19 and 20. It added that a few higher reaches of the Chenab Valley and south Kashmir may receive moderate to heavy snowfall.
An advisory has been issued warning of possible heavy rain or snowfall in higher reaches, along with thunderstorms and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph at isolated places. Hailstorms are also likely at a few locations, particularly during the night.
Travellers, transporters, and the general public have been advised to plan movement carefully, especially across higher reaches and key mountain passes, in view of slippery roads and reduced visibility.
Officials said the ongoing weather system has already brought widespread precipitation across the Union Territory and is expected to weaken after March 20.
Weather conditions are likely to remain generally dry from March 21 to 25, except for a brief spell of light rain or snow at isolated places on March 23, raising hopes of improved conditions for Eid-related activities.
Between March 26 and 28, the weather is expected to remain generally cloudy with light precipitation at a few places, while another spell of rain and snowfall is likely at many places between March 29 and 31.
Farmers have been advised to resume agricultural operations from March 21 onwards, subject to local conditions.
