Srinagar, Apr 21 — Day temperatures rose above normal across Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, with the Meteorological Department forecasting largely dry conditions till April 23 and a shift to intermittent rain and thundershowers thereafter.
“Weather is expected to remain generally dry from April 20 to 23, with a possibility of brief light rain at isolated places,” an official said, advising farmers to continue agricultural operations during this period.
From April 24 to 25, conditions are likely to turn partly to generally cloudy, with “one or two spells of light rain or thundershowers at scattered to many places,” the MeT department said, adding that gusty winds may occur at a few locations, mainly during late afternoons and evenings.
Brief spells of light rain or thundershowers are also likely at a few places on April 26, while April 27 and 28 are expected to remain largely dry. Another spell of light rain, accompanied by gusty winds, is forecast at isolated places on April 29 and 30, particularly during late afternoon hours.
According to MeT data, most stations across the Valley and Jammu division recorded above-normal day temperatures. Srinagar registered a maximum of 23.5°C, about 2.7°C above normal, while the minimum settled at 9.4°C.
Qazigund recorded 24°C, nearly 3.8°C above normal, while Pahalgam saw a high of 20.4°C. Kupwara and Kokernag recorded 21.6°C and 22.8°C, respectively. Gulmarg reported a maximum of 13.2°C, around 2.6°C above the seasonal average.
In the Jammu division, Jammu city recorded 34.7°C, 1.6°C above normal, while Katra registered 33°C, nearly 4.8°C above average. Batote and Bhaderwah also recorded above-normal temperatures.
No significant rainfall was recorded at most places during the day, though some stations received light precipitation over the past 24 hours. Pahalgam recorded the highest rainfall at 9.2 mm.
The department said day temperatures are expected to rise further by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius at many places over the next few days.