Jammu: A spell of rain and thunderstorm activity brought relief from heat across parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, with temperatures falling below normal in several districts even as higher reaches of Kashmir received fresh light snowfall.
According to the Meteorological Department, weather conditions across the Union Territory remained cooler than usual over the past 24 hours, with more rainfall and thunderstorm activity forecast over the coming week.
In Jammu division, daytime temperatures remained noticeably below seasonal averages at many places. Jammu city recorded a maximum temperature of 34.6 degrees Celsius, nearly 4.2 degrees below normal, while Kathua emerged as the hottest place in the division at 35.6 degrees Celsius despite remaining below average for this time of year.
Several districts recorded rainfall during the day. Ramban received 15.5 mm rainfall, Poonch recorded 18 mm, Rajouri 1.2 mm and Kishtwar around 8 mm, contributing to cooler weather conditions across the region.
The weather also impacted movement temporarily as traffic on the Jammu–Poonch highway was disrupted following a landslide at Lassana in Surankote. However, authorities restored traffic after clearing debris from the affected stretch.
The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has forecast scattered light to moderate rain and thunderstorms across Jammu and Kashmir during the next 24 hours, with similar conditions likely to continue over the following two days.
Officials said isolated areas in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions may witness thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph, with occasional gusts touching 60 kmph.
While Jammu experienced cooler conditions due to rainfall, the weather change was more pronounced in Kashmir where widespread precipitation led to a significant fall in temperatures.
Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 23.8 degrees Celsius, around 4.2 degrees below normal, while Pahalgam remained much cooler at 17 degrees Celsius—nearly seven degrees below the seasonal average. Kupwara recorded 25 degrees Celsius and Gulmarg stayed at 16.6 degrees Celsius.
The weather department said light snowfall was also reported from higher reaches, adding to the unusual June chill and making conditions pleasant across the Valley.
Night temperatures, however, remained slightly above normal at many places in both divisions.
The department has advised residents, farmers and travellers to remain alert during periods of adverse weather, especially in areas vulnerable to lightning, landslides and localised flooding.
For Sunday, the local forecast indicates generally cloudy skies with light rain and thunderstorm activity in Srinagar, while Jammu is expected to witness mainly clear to partly cloudy conditions with temperatures likely to hover around 37 degrees Celsius during the day.
Officials said weather conditions will continue to be monitored closely as intermittent precipitation is expected to persist till June 19.
