Jammu: Jammu witnessed heavy rain accompanied by lightning, thunder and gusty winds on Thursday evening, while an intense hailstorm lashed several parts of Kashmir, damaging standing crops and apple orchards and disrupting normal life.
In Jammu, the weather changed sharply during the evening as heavy showers followed spells of lightning and thunder across several areas. The Meteorological Department had already issued a yellow alert for both Jammu and Kashmir divisions, warning of rain and gusty winds.
Kashmir witnessed a more intense weather spell, with torrential rain, hailstorms and strong winds reported from several districts. Bandipora was among the worst-affected areas, with residents describing the hailstorm as unusually severe.
Heavy hail and rain were also reported from parts of Ganderbal, Baramulla and Kupwara. In Kupwara, paddy fields and apple orchards were affected, while crop damage was also reported from parts of Ganderbal.
The hailstorm also disrupted traffic movement in some areas, while waterlogging was reported at a few locations following heavy rain.
The overall extent of damage to crops and orchards has not yet been officially assessed, and no district-wise loss estimates were immediately available.
The Meteorological Centre has forecast light rain at scattered places across Jammu and Kashmir over the next two days, with light snowfall possible over the higher reaches.
A brief spell of light rain is possible at a few places towards the evening of October 9, while generally dry weather is expected on October 11 and 12. Another spell of rain is possible towards the evening or night of October 13.
On October 14 and 15, many areas may experience rain, light snowfall over higher reaches, thunderstorms and gusty winds. Weather is likely to remain generally dry from October 16 to 18.
The weather department has advised people to avoid open areas, trees and exposed high-altitude locations during thunderstorms and gusty winds and to remain in safe places.
Farmers have been advised to continue harvesting and ensure safe storage of harvested apples and paddy in view of the forecast.
Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 28.2°C, around four degrees above normal, while Jammu recorded 31.5°C. Pahalgam recorded a maximum of 23.6°C, and Gulmarg 19°C.
