SRINAGAR: Several parts of Jammu and Kashmir witnessed rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds and hailstorms on Thursday following a spell of above-normal temperatures across the Union Territory, while fresh snowfall was reported from higher reaches, including the Apharwat hills of Gulmarg.
A fresh western disturbance influenced weather conditions across Jammu and Kashmir during the day, triggering widespread rain and thundershower activity in many areas.
According to the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, several places experienced brief but intense showers accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds during the afternoon and evening hours.
The weather office had issued a nowcast warning forecasting rain and thundershowers at many places, with the possibility of hailstorms, lightning and strong winds over parts of Kulgam, Shopian, Rajouri, Ramban, Reasi, Udhampur, Doda and Kishtwar districts.
It also warned of localised flash floods and mudslides in vulnerable areas due to intense short-duration rainfall.
Officials said a lightning strike in Sazaan village triggered a forest fire in pine-covered areas. However, no loss of life or injuries were reported.
The Meteorological Department advised people to remain indoors during thunderstorms and avoid taking shelter near electric poles, overhead wires, loose structures and old trees.
It also recommended suspension of boating and shikara operations in Dal Lake and other water bodies during periods of adverse weather.
Earlier in the day, temperatures remained above normal across most stations in both Kashmir and Jammu divisions.
Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 31.5°C, which was 3.5°C above normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 18.5°C, nearly 4°C above the seasonal average.
Qazigund recorded a maximum temperature of 30.2°C and a minimum of 16.4°C, while Pahalgam registered 25.9°C. Kupwara recorded a maximum temperature of 30.2°C. Gulmarg, the coldest tourist destination in the Valley, recorded a maximum temperature of 21.6°C.
In the Jammu division, Jammu city remained the hottest place with a maximum temperature of 41.8°C, around 3°C above normal. Katra recorded 38.3°C, Batote 31.3°C and Bhadarwah 27.2°C.
Rainfall remained scattered across the Union Territory, with Batote recording the highest precipitation of 24.6 mm, followed by Bhadarwah at 21.2 mm. Katra received 2.6 mm of rainfall, while Pahalgam recorded 1.2 mm. Several other stations reported only trace rainfall.
The Meteorological Department has forecast partly to generally cloudy weather with light to moderate rain, brief intense showers, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds at many places through June 12.
From June 13 to June 17, weather conditions are expected to remain partly to generally cloudy, with scattered rain and thundershower activity likely, particularly during afternoon and evening hours.
The department has advised orchard growers to avoid spraying operations on June 12 due to the likelihood of widespread thundershower activity.
It stated that spraying operations may be undertaken during morning hours on most days from June 14 onwards, subject to local weather conditions.
The weather office added that while thundershowers are expected to remain short-lived, they may be accompanied by hailstorms and strong gusty winds at isolated places across Jammu and Kashmir.
