Srinagar, April 3: The Western Disturbance triggered widespread rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir on Friday and Meteorological department Kashmir has predicted more rains.
Rainfall was recorded in multiple parts of both Kashmir and Jammu divisions during the day.
The ski resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir emerged as the wettest location, receiving 16.2 mm of rainfall, followed closely by Srinagar with 14 mm. Other notable rainfall figures included Qazigund at 11.6 mm, Pahalgam at 10.6 mm, and Kupwara at 8.7 mm.
In south Kashmir, Kokernag recorded 6.2 mm of rainfall.
In the Jammu region , Batote reported the highest precipitation at 17.8 mm, while Katra received 13.2 mm and Banihal recorded 11.8 mm. Jammu city experienced comparatively lower rainfall at 9.4 mm, and Bhaderwah registered 8.7 mm.
The MeT has forecast widespread light to moderate rain and thunderstorms across Jammu and Kashmir over the next 24 hours, with snowfall likely in higher reaches and isolated areas expected to receive heavy precipitation.
“However, weather activity is likely to ease thereafter, with a decrease in precipitation expected over the subsequent two days,” a MeT official said.
The weather in J&K is likely to remain erratic till April 10, he said.
The MeT has issued an advisory warning of the possibility of thunder, hailstorms and gusty winds with speeds of 40–50 kmph at a few places across Jammu and Kashmir on April 3 and 4, and again on April 7 and 8.
The weather department also warned that intense heavy showers for brief periods could trigger flash floods and landslides at vulnerable locations, besides causing waterlogging in low-lying areas. Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious and avoid travel to landslide-prone areas during the period of inclement weather.
In view of the prevailing inclement weather conditions and adverse forecast, the district administration of Srinagar has advised the general public to avoid unnecessary movement on roads except in cases of absolute necessity.
According to the advisory issued by the District Administration Srinagar, intermittent light to moderate rain and snowfall in higher reaches, accompanied by thunder and gusty winds with speeds of 40–50 kmph, is expected at most places till April 4 evening, including Srinagar.
The administration has further advised tourists, local shikara operators, sand miners, and others working around Dal Lake, River Jhelum, and other water bodies not to attempt crossing or operating without first verifying the prevailing weather conditions and safety status of these water bodies.