Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir is bracing for a prolonged spell of rain and thunderstorms, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall in the Jammu division on August 11 and 12, accompanied by the risk of landslides, mudslides, flash floods and shooting stones at vulnerable places.
According to the latest forecast issued by the Meteorological Centre, Srinagar, fairly widespread light to moderate rain and thunderstorms are expected across J&K on August 10, while the intensity is likely to increase in the following two days.
For August 10, the IMD has forecast isolated heavy rain and thunderstorms in Jammu division, with lightning and gusty winds reaching 30-40 kmph.
The warning becomes more serious on August 11 and 12, when isolated heavy to very heavy rain has been forecast in Jammu division. The weather system could trigger landslides, mudslides, flash floods and shooting stones, particularly at vulnerable locations.
The weather is unlikely to settle immediately thereafter. The IMD has forecast isolated heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds in Jammu division on August 13, 14 and 15, with the associated risk of landslides, mudslides, flash floods and shooting stones continuing.
In Kashmir, isolated thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph have been forecast from August 11 onwards, although no specific heavy-rain warning has been issued for the division during the period.
The warning comes after widespread light to moderate rain and thunderstorms were recorded across J&K during the past 24 hours. Badgam recorded the highest rainfall at 25 mm, while Ukhral received 17 mm, Ramban 17 mm, Batote 16.2 mm and Banihal 13 mm.
Other notable rainfall included Budgam 25 mm, Udhampur 15.8 mm, Poonch 7 mm, Anantnag 4 mm and Katra 2.2 mm.
The rain also kept temperatures below normal across much of the region. The IMD said maximum temperatures remained 2-5 degrees Celsius below normal in many parts of Kashmir and 2-7 degrees below normal at many places in Jammu division.
The highest maximum temperature was 28.1°C at Kupwara in Kashmir and 30.5°C at Jammu in the Jammu division.
Night temperatures, however, remained 0-2°C above normal at many places in Kashmir, while remaining around normal in much of Jammu division. Gulmarg recorded the lowest minimum temperature in Kashmir at 11.2°C, while Bhaderwah recorded 16.4°C in Jammu division.
For Jammu city, the IMD has forecast generally cloudy conditions with moderate rain and thunderstorms on August 10, with the temperature expected to remain around 35°C maximum and 28°C minimum.
In Srinagar, partly cloudy to generally cloudy conditions are expected, with temperatures around 31°C and 21°C.
The IMD has advised people in vulnerable areas to remain alert as the combination of heavy rain and wet conditions could affect roads and other infrastructure, particularly in hilly areas.
With the wet spell expected to continue through the middle of the week, authorities and commuters in landslide-prone areas are likely to face heightened risks, especially along vulnerable stretches of roads in the Jammu division.
