SRINAGAR: The ongoing wet spell across Jammu and Kashmir is set to continue through the week, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting widespread rain and thunderstorms and warning of isolated heavy rainfall in the Jammu division from July 28, raising the risk of landslides, mudslides, flash floods and waterlogging in vulnerable areas.
According to the Meteorological Centre, Srinagar, scattered light rain and thundershowers are expected across the Union Territory over the next 24 hours, followed by scattered to fairly widespread rainfall during the subsequent two days. The seven-day forecast indicates scattered rainfall over Kashmir on July 26 and 27, becoming fairly widespread from July 28 to August 1, while Jammu division is likely to witness widespread rainfall on most days during the period.
The weather office has not issued any warning for Sunday and Monday. However, from July 28 onwards, Kashmir division is likely to witness isolated thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 30–40 kmph.
For the Jammu division, the IMD has forecast isolated heavy rain along with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 30–40 kmph between July 28 and August 1. It has cautioned that these conditions could trigger landslides, mudslides, shooting stones, flash floods and waterlogging at vulnerable places, advising residents and travellers to remain vigilant.
The weather department said maximum day temperatures during the past 24 hours remained 6–10 degrees Celsius below normal in many parts of the Kashmir division and 1–7 degrees below normal across most places in the Jammu division. Srinagar recorded the highest daytime temperature in Kashmir at 21.5°C, while Jammu recorded 32.2°C. Minimum temperatures also stayed below normal, with Gulmarg recording the lowest minimum of 10.5°C in Kashmir and Bhaderwah 15.9°C in Jammu.
Widespread light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms was recorded across Jammu and Kashmir during the past 24 hours, with Udhampur receiving the highest rainfall of 44.2 mm.
For Monday, the IMD has forecast a partly cloudy sky with very light rain or thundershowers in Srinagar, where temperatures are expected to hover around 25°C and 19°C. Jammu is likely to witness a generally cloudy sky with light rain or thundershowers, with temperatures expected around 30°C and 26°C.
