Jammu: Widespread rain accompanied by thunderstorms swept across several parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, bringing much-needed relief from soaring temperatures but prompting the Meteorological Department (MeT) to issue warnings of flash floods, landslides, mudslides and shooting stones in vulnerable areas, particularly across the Jammu division.
According to the Meteorological Centre, Srinagar, light to moderate rain and thundershowers were reported from many parts of Kashmir and several districts of Jammu, including Poonch, Rajouri, Ramban, Doda, Reasi and Udhampur. Brief but intense showers accompanied by thunderstorms also affected isolated areas of North, Central and South Kashmir during the evening hours.
The weather office warned that heavy rainfall and intense showers over parts of Kupwara, Baramulla and Budgam districts, as well as Ramban, Reasi, Doda, Batote and Udhampur, could trigger localized flash floods, mudslides and landslides in vulnerable areas. Residents have been advised to stay away from nallahs, streams, riverbanks and landslide-prone locations as a precaution.
According to the latest forecast, widespread light to moderate rain and thunderstorms are expected across Jammu and Kashmir during the next 24 hours, while fairly widespread to scattered rainfall is likely over the following two days.
The MeT Centre has issued a ‘Be Prepared’ advisory for July 11 and 12, warning of isolated heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, across the Jammu division. The advisory also highlights the possibility of flash floods, mudslides, landslides and shooting stones along vulnerable stretches, particularly in the Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal region.
For the Kashmir division, isolated thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds are expected during the same period before weather conditions improve from July 13 onwards.
From July 13 to July 17, the weather is expected to remain generally hot and humid, with only scattered spells of rain and thundershowers at isolated places. However, the Jammu division may continue to witness occasional intense showers accompanied by gusty winds.
The weather office has also indicated that fresh spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers are likely to affect many parts of Jammu and Kashmir between July 18 and 20, signalling another wet spell later next week.
Rajouri Records Highest Rainfall
During the past 24 hours ending at 8:30 am on Saturday, rainfall activity remained fairly widespread across the Jammu division and isolated in Kashmir.
Rajouri recorded the highest rainfall in the Union Territory with 50 mm, followed by Samba (20 mm), Katra (15 mm), Jammu (6.4 mm), Poonch (5.5 mm) and Udhampur (4.6 mm).
Temperatures Stay Above Normal
Despite the rainfall, maximum temperatures remained above normal across most parts of the Union Territory.
Srinagar recorded the highest day temperature in Kashmir at 34.5°C, around 4.8 degrees above normal, while Kathua was the hottest place in Jammu division at 36.4°C.
Night temperatures also remained above normal, with Gulmarg recording the lowest minimum temperature in Kashmir at 13.6°C and Bhaderwah the lowest in Jammu division at 18.9°C.
For Sunday, the MeT has forecast generally cloudy skies with light rain and thundershowers in Srinagar, where the maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to hover around 31°C and 18°C, respectively. Jammu is likely to witness light to moderate rain and thundershowers, with temperatures expected to range between 35°C and 25°C.
The Meteorological Department has advised commuters, pilgrims undertaking the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, tourists and residents in vulnerable areas to closely monitor weather updates and exercise caution, especially during afternoon, evening and early morning hours when the likelihood of intense rainfall remains high.
