JAMMU: Moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms swept across parts of Jammu and Kashmir over the past 12 hours, while higher reaches of the valley witnessed light snowfall, the India Meteorological Department said on Friday.
Director MeT Srinagar, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, stated that weather conditions are expected to remain generally cloudy with intermittent spells of light rain and thundershowers at many places from April 17 to 19, particularly during morning and late evening hours.
He added that gusty winds with speeds reaching 40–50 kmph and the possibility of hailstorms at isolated locations are likely during this period.
According to the department, weather conditions are expected to improve from April 20 to 24, with generally dry conditions prevailing across the Union Territory. Similar conditions are forecast for April 25 and 26, although brief spells of light rain or thundershowers with gusty winds may occur at isolated places during the afternoon.
Strong winds on Thursday evening caused minor disruptions in power supply in several areas of the valley, officials said.
The MeT department has issued an advisory urging farmers to suspend farm operations from April 17 to 19 as a precautionary measure to minimise potential crop damage and ensure safety during adverse weather conditions.
Residents have also been advised to remain cautious, particularly during periods of strong winds and thunderstorms, and to follow official advisories.
