Jammu: Jammu city was lashed by an intense spell of rain on Thursday evening, bringing temporary relief from the hot and humid conditions but disrupting normal movement in several parts of the city.
The sudden downpour followed a warm day and was accompanied by thunderstorm activity over parts of the Jammu region.
The intensity of the rain prompted concerns over waterlogging in low-lying areas, even as the Meteorological Centre Srinagar warned of further thunderstorms and brief intense showers in the coming hours.
According to the latest weather forecast, light to moderate rain and thunderstorms are likely at fairly widespread places across both Jammu and Kashmir divisions on Friday, with isolated thunderstorm activity likely to be accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching 30–40 kmph.
The weather office has also cautioned that brief spells of intense rainfall could trigger flash floods, mudslides and landslides at vulnerable locations. The warning assumes greater significance for hilly districts, where concentrated rainfall over a short period can result in sudden runoff and slope instability.
The latest IMD observations showed that Jammu had received rainfall during the preceding 24 hours, while temperatures remained relatively high across the region. Jammu city had recorded a maximum temperature of around 33°C, reflecting the warm conditions that prevailed before the evening spell.
The rain provided noticeable relief to residents after a humid day, with temperatures falling as the spell intensified.
Officials and residents in low-lying areas have been advised to remain alert, particularly during periods of intense rain and thunderstorms.
Commuters have also been urged to exercise caution on roads where visibility can deteriorate quickly and waterlogging can affect traffic movement.
The forecast indicates that Friday could witness the most active phase of the current weather system. While Kashmir is expected to see fairly widespread rain and thunderstorms, similar conditions are forecast for the Jammu division, increasing the possibility of more short-duration intense spells.
Weather activity is expected to reduce thereafter.
Scattered rain and thunderstorms are likely on September 5, while from September 6 onwards rainfall is expected to remain largely isolated.
The present forecast does not indicate a prolonged period of widespread rainfall across the Union Territory.
The MeT has nevertheless advised people to remain cautious because thunderstorm activity can be highly localised, with intense rain occurring over one area while neighbouring locations receive little or no precipitation.
The advisory is particularly important for people travelling towards the hilly areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
Roads in landslide-prone stretches could become temporarily vulnerable during intense showers, while sudden runoff may affect low-lying crossings and streams.
Farmers have been advised that agricultural operations can continue, while keeping local weather conditions in view. The weather office has recommended that field activities be planned with caution during periods of thunderstorm activity.
Thursday evening’s rain also brought a brief change to Jammu’s weather after several hours of heat and humidity. With another round of thunderstorms forecast for Friday, authorities and residents are now keeping a close watch on weather developments, particularly for any intense localised spells that could cause waterlogging or affect movement.
The MeT has urged people to remain alert during lightning and thunderstorms and avoid unnecessary exposure in open areas during periods of severe weather.
