Srinagar: The weatherman on Saturday said that a fresh Western Disturbance is approaching over north India and predicted light to moderate rain, snowfall over higher reaches in Jammu & Kashmir from Sunday (April 16) to April 20.
The weatherman also said that there is the possibility of damage to orchards and an abrupt fall in day temperature.
Director Meteorological Department (MeT), Sonum Lotus told the news agency KNO that a fresh spell of intermittent light to moderate rain and snowfall is expected over higher reaches in J&K during April 16-20.
He said that the main activity will be during April 17-18.
During this wet spell, thunderstorms with strong gusty wind reaching (20-30KMPH) and hailstorm are also possible at some places of Jammu & Kashmir, he said, adding that the wet spell is due to approaching of a fresh Western Disturbance over North India.
In the wake of the fresh wet spell, there is a possibility of temporary disruption of surface transportation especially over hilly and snowbound areas.
He further said that waterlogging in low-lying areas and damage to orchards is also possible. Besides, there would be an abrupt fall in day temperature by 7-8 degree Celsius.
He advised people that prior to embark on long journey, confirm road status from concerned traffic department
“Stay informed about the weather, as it is dynamic. Farmers are advised to postpone spraying of orchards, maintain proper drainage of fields during wet weather,” he said.
Lotus further appealed tourists and general public to keep warm clothes ready as cold weather may affect their health.
Meanwhile, amid forecasts of wet weather, night temperature recorded a rise on Saturday, officials said.
A Meteorological department official here said that Srinagar recorded a low of 9.1°C against 9.0°C on the previous night and it was 1.5°C above normal for the summer capital.
Qazigund, he said, recorded a low of 6.2°C against 6.0°C on the previous night and it was 0.3°C below normal for the gateway town of Kashmir.
Pahalgam, he said, recorded a low of 4.6°C against 3.6°C on the previous night and it was 1.8°C above normal for the famous tourist resort in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
Kokernag recorded a low of 10.6°C against 9.4°C on the previous night and it was 4.5°C above normal for the place, the officials said.
Gulmarg recorded a low of 7.0°C against 5.4°C on the previous night and it was 5.5°C above normal for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, he said.
In Kupwara town, he said, the mercury settled at 6.2°C against 5.6°C on the previous night and it was 0.1°C below normal for the north Kashmir area.
Jammu recorded a low of 21.2°C against 20.3°C on the previous night. It was 2.0°C above normal for J&K’s winter capital, he said.
Banihal, he said, recorded a low of 9.3°C (above normal by 1.1°C), Batote 13.2°C (above normal by 2.7°C), Katra 19.4°C (2.9°C above normal) and Bhadarwah 8.9°C (1.9°C below normal). Ladakh’s Leh and Kargil recorded a low of minus 0.2°C and 3.3°C respectively, he said.
