SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir is likely to witness a prolonged spell of wet weather, with the Meteorological Department forecasting rain and thundershowers at many places through August 17 and warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Jammu division and Kashmir between August 9 and 11.
Light to moderate rain was recorded across several parts of the Union Territory on Saturday, with South Kashmir receiving most of the rainfall. Kokernag recorded 11 mm, Qazigund 8.6 mm and Pahalgam 5.5 mm in the 24 hours ending Saturday morning, while Srinagar and Gulmarg received 1.6 mm and 0.8 mm, respectively.
In Jammu division, Batote recorded 18.4 mm of rain, followed by Banihal with 16 mm, Bhaderwah 13.6 mm, Katra 7 mm and Jammu 4 mm during the same period.
The rainfall also kept daytime temperatures below normal across several parts of Kashmir. Srinagar recorded a maximum of 26.1 degrees Celsius, 3.8 degrees below normal, while Qazigund’s maximum of 22.6 degrees was 5.4 degrees below normal. Pahalgam recorded 20 degrees, which was 5.7 degrees below normal.
Kokernag recorded a maximum of 22 degrees, 5.5 degrees below normal, while Gulmarg’s maximum of 18.4 degrees was 2.3 degrees below normal.
In Jammu division, Jammu recorded a maximum temperature of 30.5 degrees Celsius. Banihal, Batote, Katra and Bhaderwah recorded 20.9, 20.3, 27.2 and 22 degrees, respectively.
For August 9 to 11, the MeT has forecast light to moderate rain and thundershowers at many places, along with brief spells of intense showers at a few locations. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in some districts of Jammu division, while intense showers may occur in parts of Kashmir.
The department has warned that torrential rainfall and brief intense showers could trigger flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas and cause waterlogging in low-lying locations.
People have been advised to avoid nallahs, landslide-prone areas and other vulnerable places during periods of intense rainfall. Authorities have also been asked to remain alert and closely monitor vulnerable areas.
The MeT has forecast further light rain and thundershowers at many places from August 12 to 17, with brief intense showers possible at a few locations, indicating continued wet weather across Jammu and Kashmir.
