Srinagar, Oct 15 (KNS): Rain in the plains and snowfall over higher reaches brought down temperatures across Kashmir on Thursday, while the Meteorological Department forecast an improvement in weather conditions from Friday.

According to the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, several parts of Jammu and Kashmir experienced wet weather during the past 24 hours, with temperatures remaining below normal at several places.

Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 7.3 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg registered 1.5 degrees Celsius. Pahalgam recorded 5 degrees Celsius, Kupwara 5.6 degrees, Kokernag 6.2 degrees and Qazigund 8.6 degrees Celsius.

The department said daytime temperatures also witnessed a decline due to cloudy skies and rainfall.

Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 18.2 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, 4.6 degrees below normal, while Gulmarg registered 8 degrees Celsius, 5.7 degrees below the seasonal average.

Kupwara recorded a maximum temperature of 15 degrees Celsius, which was 8.3 degrees below normal.

As per the rainfall data recorded till Thursday morning, Kupwara received 26.2 mm of rainfall, followed by Kokernag at 26 mm, Qazigund at 23.6 mm, Gulmarg at 20.4 mm, Pahalgam at 16.8 mm and Srinagar at 16.4 mm.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The weather department said generally cloudy conditions with light to moderate rain and snowfall over higher reaches had been forecast for October 14 and 15.

It said weather conditions were expected to improve from October 16, although brief spells of light rain could occur at isolated places.

Generally dry weather has been forecast from October 17 to 24, providing relief from the prevailing wet spell.

Another spell of cloudy weather with light rain at scattered places and snowfall over higher reaches is expected between October 25 and 27.

The department also cautioned against thunderstorms, gusty winds and isolated hailstorms during the unsettled weather conditions.

Farmers have been advised to take precautions to protect harvested crops, including apples and paddy, from moisture, while travellers have been urged to exercise caution on higher mountain roads and passes.

In Srinagar, weather conditions were expected to improve by Thursday evening, with mostly clear skies and temperatures around 14 degrees Celsius at 7 pm.

The forecast indicates that the current wet spell is likely to subside, with relatively stable weather expected across most parts of Jammu and Kashmir in the coming days. (KNS)