SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir witnessed intermittent but heavy rainfall since last night, bringing a noticeable drop in temperatures across the Valley.
The higher reaches experienced fresh snowfall, while hailstorms continued to cause damage for the second consecutive day in parts of South Kashmir.
The local Meteorological Department (MeT) had issued yellow and orange alerts for the day, warning of light to moderate snowfall and rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir.
According to reports, the upper reaches including Sinthan Top, Tulail, and other areas recorded fresh snowfall.
Plains, including Srinagar—the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir—were lashed by intermittent heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, hailstorms continued to affect several areas of Kulgam and Shopian districts in southern Kashmir, causing extensive damage to fruit growers and orchardists.
Director MeT, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that moderate rain with intense showers, accompanied by moderate to severe thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds, is expected in many parts of JK till midnight.
He advised residents to remain indoors, seek safe shelter, and stay away from water bodies, loose structures, and landslide-prone areas.
The latest spell of rain has once again replenished water bodies, including the Jhelum River—considered the lifeline of Kashmir—which had been flowing below normal for much of the past six months.
The Department has issued yellow alerts for the next two days, up to April 21, 2025.
As per the forecast, light to moderate rain and snowfall (in higher reaches) is expected at most locations, with a possibility of moderate to heavy precipitation at isolated to scattered places until the evening of April 20.
On April 21, the weather is likely to remain generally cloudy with chances of light rain and thunderstorms at scattered locations. From April 22 to 28, the forecast suggests generally dry weather, with possible cloudiness towards April 25.
In its advisory, the MeT Department has urged the public and relevant agencies to plan accordingly and to follow official instructions and traffic advisories.
Farmers have been advised to suspend farming operations until April 21. The advisory also noted a likelihood of moderate to heavy rainfall and snowfall over isolated to scattered areas on April 19.
The public has been cautioned about the risk of landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones in vulnerable areas, and has been urged to remain indoors during thunderstorms and lightning. (KNO)
