SRINAGAR: Intermittent rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir brought a sharp fall in day temperatures on Sunday, providing relief from the recent spell of hot and humid weather, while the Meteorological Department forecast mainly dry conditions until July 18 before a fresh spell of rain is expected from July 19.
According to the Meteorological Centre, Srinagar, many parts of the Kashmir Valley received one or two spells of rain or thundershowers during the past 24 hours, while isolated areas of the Chenab Valley and the Pir Panjal range in the Jammu division experienced brief intense showers.
The rainfall led to a significant drop in maximum temperatures across the Union Territory. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 22.7°C, down from 30.2°C a day earlier and 7°C below normal. Qazigund recorded 23°C, Kokernag 22.5°C, Pahalgam 18.5°C and Gulmarg 16.6°C. In the Jammu division, Jammu city recorded 31.5°C, followed by Katra 28.6°C, Banihal 24°C, Batote 24.1°C and Bhaderwah 23.8°C.
Light to moderate rainfall was reported from several districts of south, central and north Kashmir. Rain also lashed the tourist destinations of Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg, as well as the Pahalgam and Baltal routes of the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. Despite the wet weather, the pilgrimage continued without disruption.
Pahalgam recorded the highest rainfall in Kashmir at 42.6 mm during the past 24 hours, largely due to a cloudburst in the Overa Wildlife Sanctuary on Saturday evening. Other rainfall totals included 30 mm in Poonch, 21 mm in Sonamarg, 11.8 mm in Gulmarg and 5.5 mm in Baramulla.
Director of the Meteorological Department, Mukhtar Ahmad, said weather conditions are expected to remain mostly dry from July 13 to 17, with only isolated brief showers at a few places. He said day temperatures are likely to rise gradually during this period.
The MeT Department has forecast a fresh spell of light to moderate rain and thundershowers across many parts of Jammu and Kashmir between July 19 and 21, with isolated heavy showers expected.
