SRINAGAR: The Meteorological Department on Sunday predicted an increase in rainfall activity across Jammu and Kashmir over the next few days, issuing a warning for heavy rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds and possible flash floods in vulnerable areas of the Jammu division.
According to the latest weather bulletin issued by the Meteorological Centre Srinagar on July 5 at 11:00 am, isolated light rain and thunderstorms are expected over the Kashmir division during the next 24 hours, while fairly widespread light to moderate rain and thunderstorms are likely over the Jammu division.
The MeT department said precipitation activity is likely to increase during the subsequent two days, with widespread rainfall expected at several places across Jammu and Kashmir.
As per the forecast, Jammu division is likely to witness isolated heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 60 kmph from July 6 to July 8. The department has also warned of possible landslides, mudslides, shooting stones and flash floods at vulnerable locations during this period.
For Kashmir division, the weather office has predicted isolated thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph on July 7, July 8 and July 11.
The bulletin said maximum temperatures remained 2-4°C above normal in most parts of Kashmir division during the past 24 hours, while several areas of Jammu division recorded temperatures 0-3°C above normal. Srinagar recorded the highest maximum temperature in Kashmir at 34.0°C, while Kathua was the hottest in Jammu division at 38.2°C.
Night temperatures also remained above normal at several places, with Gulmarg recording the lowest minimum temperature in Kashmir at 13.2°C and Bhaderwah recording 18.7°C in Jammu division. Kathua received 11.2 mm rainfall during the period.
The local forecast for July 6 suggests mainly clear to partly cloudy skies in Srinagar with temperatures around 33°C maximum and 22°C minimum, while Jammu is expected to witness partly cloudy conditions with chances of light rain and thunderstorms.
Authorities have advised people, especially those living in landslide and flood-prone areas, to remain alert and follow weather updates.
