Jammu: Widespread rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir has brought a significant drop in temperatures, with several parts of the Union Territory recording day temperatures well below normal on Saturday. The Meteorological Department has forecast continued wet weather conditions over the coming days, with chances of thunderstorms, isolated heavy rainfall and weather-related disruptions in vulnerable areas.
Following widespread rain and thunderstorms, maximum temperatures remained 4–7 degrees Celsius below normal in many parts of Kashmir Division, while most places in Jammu Division recorded temperatures between 0–7 degrees Celsius below normal.
The cooling effect was more pronounced in Kashmir Valley, where several stations recorded temperatures 6–10 degrees below the seasonal average. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 24.8°C, around five degrees below normal, while Kupwara recorded 25°C, Qazigund 21.8°C, Pahalgam 18.5°C, Kokernag 20.9°C and Gulmarg 17.2°C.
In Jammu division, the impact of rainfall was also visible, though temperatures remained comparatively higher. Jammu city recorded a maximum temperature of 32.2°C, while Katra settled at 27.8°C. Banihal recorded 21.8°C, Batote 21.1°C, Bhaderwah 23.6°C and Kathua recorded the highest maximum temperature in the region at 33.6°C.
The rainfall spell brought widespread precipitation across the Union Territory. Batote received the highest rainfall during the past 24 hours at 33 mm, followed by Katra with 21 mm, Banihal with 18.9 mm, Kukernag with 14 mm, Bhaderwah with 13 mm and Qazigund with 12.7 mm.
The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has forecast fairly widespread light to moderate rain and thunderstorms over Jammu and Kashmir during the next 24 hours. The department has predicted scattered to fairly widespread rainfall activity during the following two days, with wet conditions likely to continue till August 1.
The weather department has warned of isolated incidents of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching 30–40 kmph. Jammu division is expected to witness comparatively more intense weather activity, with the possibility of isolated heavy rainfall from July 28 onwards.
The advisory also cautioned about possible impacts such as landslides, mudslides, shooting stones, flash floods and waterlogging at vulnerable locations, particularly in hilly and mountainous areas.
The local forecast for Sunday indicates generally cloudy skies across Jammu and Kashmir. Srinagar is expected to witness cloudy weather with very light rain or thunderstorms, with temperatures likely to remain around 25°C maximum and 19°C minimum. Jammu may record around 30°C maximum and 26°C minimum with chances of light rain and thunderstorms.
The ongoing rainfall has provided relief from the recent warm conditions, but authorities have advised residents and travellers to remain cautious, especially while moving through vulnerable hilly routes, and to follow weather updates issued by the Meteorological Department.
