SRINAGAR: Persistent rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday pushed the Lidder River in south Kashmir to its flood declaration mark and kept the Chenab River flowing at the danger level in Jammu, even as the Union Territory experienced one of its coldest July days in recent years with daytime temperatures plunging by as much as 10°C below normal.
According to the latest hydrological update issued at 7 pm, the Lidder River, a major tributary of the Jhelum, reached the flood declaration mark at 1.55 metres, above the prescribed threshold of 1.50 metres and just 10 centimetres short of the danger level of 1.65 metres.
In the Jammu region, the Chenab River at Akhnoor was flowing at 35.0 feet, exactly at the danger level. The alert level is 32 feet, while the evacuation level is 42 feet. Although the water level was reported to be receding during the evening, authorities continued to monitor the situation closely.
The rise in river levels followed widespread rainfall across both divisions. The heaviest rainfall was recorded in the Jammu region, with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan receiving 109 mm, followed by Reasi (94.5 mm) and Katra (91.4 mm). Jammu city received 47 mm, Bakore 50.5 mm, Ramban 43.5 mm, Banihal 37.2 mm, Rajouri 36 mm, Batote 35.6 mm and Bhaderwah 9 mm.
In Kashmir, Gulmarg recorded 35 mm of rain, Qazigund 33.2 mm, Kokernag 32.2 mm, Baramulla 30 mm, Pahalgam 16.6 mm, Srinagar 13 mm and Kupwara 6.5 mm.
The prolonged rain and thick cloud cover caused a dramatic fall in daytime temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir.
Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 20.0°C, nearly 9.9°C below normal, while Kupwara registered 20.2°C, 10.4°C below normal, the largest negative departure in the Valley. Qazigund settled at 19.5°C, Kokernag at 19.4°C, Pahalgam at 17.6°C and Gulmarg at just 14.5°C, all between six and nine degrees below normal.
The unusually cool conditions extended across the Jammu division. Jammu city recorded 24.8°C, 8.7°C below normal, while Banihal remained at 19.0°C, Bhaderwah 20.2°C, Batote 19.8°C and Katra 22.6°C, all registering departures of more than six degrees below seasonal averages.
Weather observers described Wednesday as a historic day for Katra. According to Kashmir Weather, the pilgrimage town recorded its lowest-ever maximum temperature for the month of July, with the mercury rising only to 22.6°C, 8.1°C below normal.
The weather was made even more unusual by the exceptionally narrow temperature range. Katra’s minimum temperature was 21.0°C, just 1.6°C lower than the day’s maximum, reflecting the impact of continuous rainfall and dense cloud cover that kept temperatures almost unchanged throughout the day.
The combination of heavy rainfall, swollen rivers and unusually low daytime temperatures made Wednesday one of the most remarkable weather days of the season across Jammu and Kashmir, with authorities maintaining a close watch on river levels as wet conditions persist.
