SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir is likely to witness intermittent rain and thunderstorms over the next five days, with the Meteorological Centre Srinagar forecasting the possibility of moderate to heavy showers at a few places and warning of flash floods and mudslides in vulnerable areas.
According to the five-day forecast issued by the Meteorological Centre on Thursday, weather activity is expected to continue from August 20 to 24, with varying intensity across the Union Territory.
The department has warned of the possibility of thunder and lightning, with gusty winds of 40-50 kmph and isolated gusts reaching up to 60 kmph at some places during the next five days. It has also cautioned about moderate to heavy rain and brief spells of intense showers at a few places in both the Jammu and Kashmir divisions.
The forecast maps indicate comparatively wider rainfall activity over parts of the Jammu division towards August 23 and 24, while several areas of Kashmir are expected to receive lighter rainfall during the period.
The weather office has also flagged the possibility of flash floods and mudslides at vulnerable locations during the forecast period, advising people to remain cautious in areas prone to waterlogging, landslides and flash floods.
The advisory comes as several parts of the region have already recorded rainfall. According to the latest observations, Poonch received the highest rainfall in the 24-hour period, with Rajpura Mandi recording 41 mm. Katra recorded 39 mm, while Gulmarg received 14.2 mm of rain.
In Kashmir, Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 21 degrees Celsius, while Qazigund recorded 19.4 degrees Celsius. Pahalgam and Gulmarg recorded minimum temperatures of 16.4 and 12.5 degrees Celsius, respectively.
In Jammu division, Jammu recorded a minimum temperature of 23.8 degrees Celsius, while Katra and Kathua recorded 22 and 24.2 degrees Celsius, respectively.
The Meteorological Centre has advised residents, travellers and people living in vulnerable areas to remain alert during periods of intense rainfall and thunderstorms.
The forecast also suggests that rainfall activity may persist beyond the immediate two-day period, with green-shaded areas on the August 23 and 24 maps indicating rain activity across several parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, the department has advised people to use its official MAUSAM application for live weather updates and further details.
