Srinagar: The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has forecast a fresh spell of rain and thundershowers across Jammu and Kashmir from July 28, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides and mudslides in vulnerable areas over the coming days.
According to the MeT Department, scattered rain and thundershowers are likely at many places on July 27 during the late afternoon and evening, with weather conditions expected to improve thereafter.
From July 28 to July 31, the Kashmir division is expected to witness intermittent spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers at most places, with brief but intense showers likely in a few districts, mainly during the early morning and late afternoon or evening hours.
In the Jammu division, light to moderate rainfall is also expected at most places during the period. However, a few districts may experience heavy to torrential rain accompanied by intense showers.
The department said Udhampur and adjoining areas are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, particularly during the night, morning and evening hours, with the peak weather activity expected on July 30 and 31.
The forecast further indicates that August 1 and 2 are likely to witness one or two spells of rain and thundershowers across many parts of the Union Territory.
From August 3 to 4, rain and thundershowers are expected to continue, with a possibility of heavy rainfall, brief intense showers and torrential rain over a few districts of the Jammu division.
The MeT Department has cautioned that torrential rain and intense showers between July 28 and 31 could trigger flash floods, landslides and mudslides in vulnerable areas, especially in hilly regions.
Day temperatures remained above normal across most parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, even as the Meteorological Department forecast widespread rain and thunderstorms over the Union Territory from July 28, with heavy to very heavy rainfall likely over parts of Jammu division later this week.
According to the MeT Department data, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 30.8 degrees Celsius, 0.9 degrees above normal, while Jammu registered 35.3 degrees Celsius, 1.9 degrees above the seasonal average.
Qazigund recorded 30.5°C (2.6°C above normal), Banihal 30.8°C (2.5°C above normal), Katra 32.2°C (2.7°C above normal), Bhadarwah 31.6°C (1.2°C above normal), Batote 27.6°C (1.2°C above normal) and Kukernag 28.7°C (1.3°C above normal). Kupwara recorded 30.2°C, 0.9°C below normal, while Pahalgam and Gulmarg settled at 25.6°C and 20.7°C, respectively, both marginally below normal.
The MeT office said minimum temperatures also remained close to or slightly above normal at most places, with Srinagar recording 18.9°C and Jammu 25.8°C.
The department has advised residents, tourists, travellers and transporters to remain alert, follow weather advisories issued by the administration and avoid flood- and landslide-prone areas during the forecast period.
