Srinagar: The Meteorological Department Srinagar on Tuesday said that several areas across Kashmir witnessed a significant spike in maximum temperatures while predicting wet spell from April 18.
Director MET Dr Mukhtar Ahmad as per news agency JKNS said that several areas across Kashmir witnessed a significant spike in maximum temperatures, with many stations recording 8–11°C above normal.
Srinagar recorded 30.4°C, which is the second highest maximum temperature for April. Qazigund reported 29.8°C its third highest while Pahalgam recorded 25.4°C, Kupwara 29.5°C, Kukernag 27.5°C, and Gulmarg 20.7°C, Dr Mukhtar said.
In Jammu division, maximum temperatures stood at 35.7°C in Jammu, 25.8°C in Banihal, 24.1°C in Batote, 32.4°C in Katra, and 26.4°C in Bhaderwah.
Dr Mukhtar said weather will remain generally dry from April 15 to 17, while a fresh spell of moderate rain and snow over higher reaches is likely from the evening of April 18.
“From April 18 to 20, most areas are likely to witness cloudy skies with light to moderate rain/snow, with a possibility of moderate to heavy rainfall at isolated to scattered places during April 18 and 19, accompanied by thunder and gusty winds,” he said.
He added that April 21 may see cloudy weather with light rain/thunder at scattered locations, while April 22 to 25 is expected to remain generally dry. A fresh cloudy spell is likely from April 26 to 27.
The department has advised travellers, tourists and transporters to plan their journeys accordingly and follow administrative and traffic advisories. Farmers have been advised to continue agricultural operations till April 17.
There is a possibility of moderate snowfall over higher reaches between April 18 and 20. Landslides, mudslides and shooting stones may also occur at vulnerable places during the wet spell, the official said. (JKNS)
