Srinagar, May 23: The meteorological department has predicted widespread rainfall in the plains and “moderate to heavy snowfall” in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir from now until May 26. A “yellow weather warning” has been issued for the period between May 23 and May 26.
According to a meteorological department official quoted by GNS, rain and thunderstorms are likely to commence in most places from late afternoon today. The forecast indicates the possibility of widespread light to moderate rain, accompanied by thunder, lightning, hailstorms, and strong gusty winds in some areas. Moreover, moderate to heavy snowfall is expected in the higher regions.
From May 27 to May 29, the weather is expected to be partly to generally cloudy.
The meteorological department has assigned color codes to indicate the level of caution. Green signifies no action, yellow means the situation should be monitored, orange indicates that government agencies need to be prepared for severe weather, and red signifies the need for immediate action by the agencies.
Regarding the potential impacts of this weather system, the official mentioned the possibility of local rivulets overflowing, waterlogging in low-lying areas, and damage caused by hailstorms and lightning in some locations. There is also a chance of temporary disruptions in surface transportation, particularly on routes such as Srinagar-Jammu highway, Zojila, Mughal Road, and Sinthan Top.
In terms of temperatures, the official reported that Srinagar experienced a low of 14.8°C, which was 3.1°C above the normal for this time of year. Qazigund recorded a low of 10.8°C, 0.5°C above the normal, while Pahalgam had a low of 10.2°C, 4.0°C above the normal. In Kupwara, the temperature settled at 12.6°C, 2.2°C above the normal, and Kokernag recorded a low of 11.6°C, 1.5°C above the normal. Gulmarg, the famous skiing resort, experienced a low of 9.0°C, which was 2.2°C above the normal. Jammu recorded a low of 26.4°C, 2.0°C above the normal for the winter capital of J&K.
Other areas such as Banihal, Batote, Katra, Bhaderwah, Leh, and Kargil also saw temperatures that deviated from the normal range. Banihal recorded a low of 14.7°C (2.7°C above normal), Batote 17.3°C (2.8°C above normal), Katra 24.4°C (3.4°C above normal), Bhaderwah 12.7°C (2.1°C above normal), Leh 5.0°C, and Kargil 9.9°C.
