Jammu: Fresh snowfall in Kashmir’s higher reaches, persistent rain across the plains and a sharp dip in daytime temperatures marked Tuesday’s weather, with the Meteorological Department forecasting further precipitation, thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms till October 15.
Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Zojila Pass, Razdan Pass, Gurez Valley, Sadhna Top, Sinthan Top and higher reaches around Wussan and Affarwat witnessed fresh snowfall as an active Western Disturbance affected Jammu and Kashmir. Rain and gusty winds swept across the plains, including Srinagar, bringing a noticeable chill to the Valley.
Pahalgam recorded the lowest maximum temperature among the reported Kashmir stations at 14.2°C, which was 5.4 degrees below the seasonal average. Gulmarg registered a maximum of 11.8°C, 1.9 degrees below normal, while Srinagar settled at 20°C, 2.8 degrees below normal. The summer capital recorded a minimum temperature of 11.2°C, which was 4.9 degrees above normal.
Kupwara recorded a maximum of 19.9°C, 3.4 degrees below normal, while Qazigund registered 22.2°C and Kukernag 20.4°C. Kupwara received 6.1 mm of rainfall, while Pahalgam recorded 2.4 mm. Snow-depth readings stood at 2.2 cm in Gulmarg and 1.2 cm in Pahalgam.
In the Jammu division, Jammu recorded a maximum temperature of 30.5°C, marginally below the seasonal normal. Banihal registered 19.5°C, Batote 21.1°C, Katra 26.6°C and Bhaderwah 21°C, with all four stations recording temperatures below their respective seasonal averages.
The Meteorological Department has forecast light to moderate rain at many places across Jammu and Kashmir on October 14 and 15, accompanied by light snowfall over higher reaches. Thunderstorms, gusty winds and hailstorms are also possible at isolated places, while the India Meteorological Department has flagged the possibility of heavy rainfall on October 14.
Weather conditions are expected to improve from October 16, when isolated places may still receive brief spells of light rain. Mainly dry weather is forecast from October 17 to 24, although brief showers cannot be ruled out at isolated locations.
The department has advised farmers to ensure the safe storage of harvested apples, paddy and other crops. Travellers and transporters have also been urged to exercise caution and follow traffic advisories, particularly while travelling on mountain passes and roads where snowfall could affect movement.
