MeT predicts more rains in J&K; temperatures mostly below normal

The weather department here on Monday predicted more rains and thunderstorms at many places of Jammu and Kashmir from Tuesday.

While gradual improvement has been predicted from today afternoon onwards, the meteorological department here forecast widespread light to moderate rain (snow over upper reaches) and thunderstorm with hailstorm and gusty winds at a few places on May 2-3.

While quoting a MeT official, a local news agency reported that there was possibility of a brief spell of rain/thunderstorm at scattered places towards evening from May 4-7. Overall, he said, the weather is likely to be erratic.

Regarding rainfall during the last 24 hours till 0830 hours today, he said, Srinagar received 0.4mm, Gulmarg 0.4mm, Jammu 4.3mm, Batote 0.4mm, Katra 19.4mm and Bhaderwah 4.6mm.

Regarding temperature, he said, Srinagar recorded a low of 11.3°C against 10.5°C on the previous night and it was 1.6°C above normal for the summer capital.

Qazigund, he said, recorded a low of 7.8°C same as on the previous night and it was below normal by 0.7°C for the gateway town of Kashmir.

Kokernag recorded a low of 7.7°C against 8.8°C on the previous night and it was 0.7°C below normal for the place, the officials said.

Gulmarg recorded a low of 4.0°C against 1.0°C on previous night and it was 0.3°C below normal for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, he said.

Jammu recorded a low of 18.7°C against 19.6°C on the previous night. It was 3.9°C below normal for J&K’s winter capital, he said.

Banihal, he said, recorded a low of 10.3°C (0.2°C above normal), Batote 13.1°C (0.6°C above normal), Katra 16.1°C (3.1°C below normal) and Bhadarwah 10.8°C (1.6°C above normal). Ladakh’s Leh recorded a low of 2.2°C, the official added.