SRINAGAR: Rain activity is expected to intensify across Jammu and Kashmir from July 18, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting isolated heavy rainfall in parts of the Jammu division and warning of flash floods, landslides, mudslides and shooting stones in vulnerable areas over the following days.
According to the Meteorological Centre, Srinagar, light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms is likely to continue over the Union Territory during the next few days before becoming more widespread from July 18 onwards. The weather office has forecast isolated to scattered light rain and thunderstorms during the next 24 hours, with similar conditions expected for the subsequent two days.
The seven-day forecast indicates isolated rainfall over Kashmir until July 17, after which precipitation is expected to become scattered on July 18 and fairly widespread between July 19 and July 21. In Jammu division, rainfall activity is expected to increase more rapidly, becoming fairly widespread on July 17 and widespread from July 18 onwards.
The IMD has issued a weather warning for Jammu division, predicting isolated heavy rain along with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph from July 18. These conditions could trigger landslides, mudslides, flash floods and shooting stones at vulnerable locations, particularly along hilly roads and highways. Similar heavy rain warnings remain in force for July 20 and July 21.
For Kashmir division, no major warning has been issued until July 17. However, from July 18 onwards, isolated thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph are expected across parts of the Valley.
The weather office has advised residents, tourists and commuters to remain alert, especially those travelling through landslide-prone stretches of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and other mountainous routes, as heavy rainfall could affect road connectivity in vulnerable areas.
Meanwhile, weather during the past 24 hours remained largely stable across the Union Territory, with only isolated light rainfall reported. Udhampur recorded the highest precipitation at 3.5 mm. Day temperatures remained slightly above normal across most parts of Kashmir and Jammu divisions, with Qazigund recording the highest maximum temperature in Kashmir at 31.5°C, while Kathua was the hottest in Jammu division at 35.6°C.
For Thursday, the IMD has forecast partly to generally cloudy skies over Srinagar and Jammu, with maximum temperatures expected to hover around 31°C and 35°C respectively.
