MeT forecasts rain, hailstorm, gusty winds across J&K

Jammu Tawi, May 12: The Meteorological Department on Tuesday forecast more spells of rain and thundershowers across most parts of Jammu and Kashmir, while warning of hailstorms, lightning and gusty winds at isolated places during the next 24 hours.

According to the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, generally cloudy weather with spells of rain and thundershowers was witnessed across several areas of Kashmir and Jammu divisions.

The MeT department informed that there is a possibility of hailstorms, thunder and gusty winds with speeds of 50-60 kilometres per hour at a few places in both divisions.

Authorities have advised people to suspend boating and shikara rides during the afternoon and late afternoon hours in view of the possibility of strong winds and thunderstorms.

Farmers have been advised to suspend farm operations till May 13 due to the prevailing weather conditions.

The department said weather conditions are likely to remain partly to generally cloudy with brief showers from May 13 to May 17, while scattered areas may receive light rain or thundershowers on May 18. Similar partly cloudy conditions are expected to continue till May 21.

Meanwhile, several parts of Kashmir and Jammu divisions recorded below-normal temperatures along with rainfall during the past 24 hours.

In Jammu division, Jammu city recorded a maximum temperature of 33 degrees Celsius, which was over four degrees below normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 21.9 degrees Celsius.

Batote received the highest rainfall in the Jammu division at 10.8 mm, while Bhaderwah recorded 13.8 mm of rainfall during the past 24 hours, according to the MeT data.

Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 24.4 degrees Celsius, slightly above normal, while the minimum settled at 12.5 degrees Celsius. The city received 1.9 mm of rainfall during the last 24 hours, officials said.

Pahalgam, one of the coldest tourist resorts in Kashmir, recorded a minimum temperature of 8.4 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg recorded 4.8 degrees Celsius.

The weather office urged people, particularly those living in vulnerable areas, to remain cautious during thunderstorms and avoid unnecessary movement during periods of intense weather activity.