MeT predicts widespread rains, snowfall in higher reaches today
Untimely hailstorm damages apple crop in many areas
Irfan Yattoo
Srinagar: Heavy rains hailstorm hit parts of south Kashmir on Monday, and the meteorological department has forecasted inclement weather to continue during the next 24 hours in the region, officials said.
Kulgam and Shopian districts in south Kashmir were hit by a destructive hailstorm, wreaking havoc on apple orchards, a vital source of income for residents in the affected villages include Behibagh, Kaprin, and Kanjiullar villages.
The unexpected hailstorm causing widespread concern among farmers and apple growers, who depend on the orchards for their livelihoods. The extent of the damage to the apple crops is still being assessed, but preliminary reports suggest substantial losses.
The untimely hailstorm has left many in these rural communities grappling with uncertainty regarding their future income prospects.
Director Meteorological Department Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that erratic weather conditions will continue across Jammu and Kashmir till April 10, with intermittent spells of rain and snowfall expected in several parts of the Union Territory.
“The weather will remain partly cloudy on April 6, with brief spells of light rain at a few places towards late afternoon and evening hours. From April 7 to 8, there are chances of light to moderate rain across most places, while higher reaches may receive snowfall,” he said.
Dr Mukhtar said thunderstorms, hail and gusty winds are also expected at isolated locations during this period. Some areas in both Kashmir and Jammu divisions may witness moderate to heavy rainfall, while higher altitudes could receive light to moderate snowfall, he added.
Issuing an advisory, the department warned of thunderstorms, hailstorms and gusty winds with speeds of 40–50 kmph at a few places between April 7 and 8.
It also cautioned that intense showers over short durations could trigger flash floods, landslides and waterlogging in vulnerable and low-lying areas.
Farmers have been advised to suspend agricultural operations during the period, while travellers have been urged to plan their journeys accordingly in view of the prevailing weather conditions.
