SRINAGAR: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir over the next three days, warning of heavy to very heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning, flash floods and landslides in several districts, particularly in the Jammu region.
According to the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, the most intense weather activity is expected on July 21 and 22, when several districts in the Jammu division are likely to receive very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. The weather is expected to gradually improve from July 24, with most areas likely to witness light rain or dry conditions by July 25.
The IMD has issued a red alert (most vigilant) for several districts of Jammu division on July 21 and 22, including Kathua, Samba, Jammu, Udhampur and Reasi, while an orange alert remains in force for parts of Rajouri, Poonch, Ramban, Doda and adjoining areas. The warning has been downgraded to orange and yellow alerts on July 23, before easing further over the next two days.
The weather office has cautioned about the possibility of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph, with wind speeds likely to touch 60 kmph at isolated places.
It has also warned of brief spells of intense to very intense rainfall at many places in the Jammu division, particularly in Kathua, Udhampur, Reasi, Jammu, Rajouri, Samba, Doda, Ramban, Mirpur and adjoining areas, during July 21-23.
The IMD has further warned of flash floods, landslides, mudslides, shooting stones and waterlogging in vulnerable areas, especially in hilly and low-lying regions, during the same period. Authorities have advised people to avoid unnecessary travel to flood-prone and landslide-prone areas and to suspend farming operations until the weather improves.
Heavy rainfall was recorded across several parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday.
According to IMD data, Kathua’s Burmal recorded the highest rainfall of 124.5 mm between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm, followed by Kathua KVK (115 mm) and Kathua station (103.5 mm). Other significant rainfall included Samba (84.5 mm), Gulmarg (46.2 mm), Jammu (42.5 mm), Katra (37.6 mm), Baramulla (32.6 mm) and Poonch (30 mm).
The evening weather bulletin also showed substantial rainfall at Bhaderwah (20.5 mm), Batote (16.9 mm) and Pahalgam (12.1 mm) during the day.
Meanwhile, temperatures remained well below normal across the Union Territory due to persistent cloud cover and rain. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 24.2°C, about 5.7 degrees below normal, while Jammu settled at 25.3°C, nearly 8.2 degrees below normal.
The Meteorological Department has advised residents, tourists and pilgrims to stay updated with official weather bulletins and follow advisories issued by local authorities as heavy rain is expected to continue over the next 48 hours.
