Dusty winds lower temperature in Kashmir, rains predicted

Srinagar, Apr 17 (UNI) Dusty winds and cloudy conditions lowered the temperature in the Kashmir valley today, bringing the much-needed respite to the people from the unusual heat in the month of April.

Weather office here forecast moderate rainfall at several places across the Kashmir valley in the next 24 hours.

The maximum temperature in Kashmir yesterday stood at 29.0 degree Celsius, which was ten degrees above normal. It was also the highest of the season so far.

The weather office said the maximum temperature recorded today was at 26.7 degree Celsius, nine degrees above normal, while the minimum stood at 11 degree Celsius, three degree above normal.

During the past few days, it said the maximum temperature recorded in the Valley has been more than 28 degree Celsius, and on Sunday, it was 28.6 degree Celsius. However, the minimum stood about 10 degrees Celsius.

The highest ever temperature recorded in Kashmir during April was on April 20, 1946 when the mercury rose to 31.1 degree Celsius.

On April 30, 1999, the maximum was recorded at 30.2 degree Celsius while it stood at 28.7 degree Celsius on April 28, 1993.

The weather office attributed the rising temperature to the inactive western disturbances and their less moisture content.

The westerly winds that generate from the Mediterranean travel from Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan to reach here via Pakistan.

It said due to the wind direction, the western disturbances pass above the Valley to cross over to China.

''That is why the plains received less rainfall in March-April while the upper reaches experienced normal rains and snowfall during the period,'' the Met Office added.

The highest ever maximum temperature recorded in the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir during the past 80 years was on June 29, 1978 when the mercury had gone up to 37.8 degree Celsius.

The weather office said the dusty winds during the day were due to low pressure and also because the western disturbances were fast approaching toward the Kashmir valley.

UNI