Srinagar, Oct 02: Jammu and Kashmir is all set to witness moderate rainfall and snowfall over the higher reaches in the next week, with the Meteorological Department predicting a wet spell from October 6, with major intensity on October 9 and 10.
The local Meteorological Department (MeT) has said the weather is expected to remain generally dry till October 5 (Monday).
However, the forecast issued by Director MeT, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, stated the weather is expected to remain partly to generally cloudy from October 6 to October 8, with light rain, thunder, gusty winds at a few places, and light snow over higher reaches.
According to Dr Ahmad, on October 9 and 10, generally cloudy weather is expected with light to moderate rain, thunder and gusty winds at scattered to many places. Light snow over higher reaches is also expected during the period.
From October 11 to October 14, the weather would remain partly cloudy across Jammu and Kashmir.
In its advisory, the MeT has asked farmers to continue harvesting of apples and paddy along with other farm operations.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir recorded a 3 per cent deficit in seasonal rainfall during the June-September period, with the Union Territory receiving 530.7 mm of rainfall against the normal of 549.1 mm, according to rainfall data.
The data shows wide variations across districts, with some areas recording substantial surplus rainfall while others witnessed significant deficits.
Udhampur recorded the highest seasonal rainfall in J&K at 1,553.5 mm, against its normal of 1,011 mm, marking a 54 per cent surplus. It was followed by Reasi with 1,343.2 mm, though the district recorded a 14 per cent deficit against its normal rainfall of 1,556.4 mm. Kathua received 1,152.8 mm against a normal of 1,275.8 mm, registering a 10 per cent deficit.
Among other districts, Poonch recorded a 27 per cent surplus with 872.3 mm rainfall against 686.1 mm normal, while Samba recorded an 18 per cent surplus with 953.5 mm against 807.9 mm. Baramulla registered a 47 per cent surplus and Ganderbal 20 per cent.
The highest deficit in J&K was recorded in Kishtwar at 53 per cent, followed by Shopian at 51 per cent and Budgam at 34 per cent. Kishtwar received 204.3 mm against a normal of 432.1 mm, while Shopian recorded 138.2 mm against 282.9 mm.
Srinagar recorded 247.4 mm, four per cent above its normal of 238.7 mm, while Anantnag recorded 322.7 mm against a normal of 321 mm.
