Rain, thunderstorms likely across J&K till Jul 5

Jammu Tawi, Jul 3: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday forecast light to moderate rain and thundershowers across many parts of Jammu and Kashmir over the next three days, with the possibility of heavy rainfall at a few places that could trigger localised flash floods and landslides.

According to the Meteorological Centre, Srinagar, one or two spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers are likely at many places from July 4 to 5, mainly during the late afternoon, evening, and late night or early morning hours. Heavy rainfall or brief intense showers accompanied by thunderstorms are expected at a few locations.

According to the forecast, from July 6 to 9, the weather is expected to remain generally hot and humid, although many places may continue to witness brief spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers, with isolated intense showers.

The MeT department advised people to stay away from nallas, streams, and landslide or mudslide-prone areas, warning that heavy rainfall at vulnerable locations could lead to localised flash floods and landslides.

During the past 24 hours, Udhampur recorded the highest rainfall at 85 mm, followed by Kathua ARG with 41.5 mm and Rajpura ARG with 27 mm, while light to moderate rain was reported from several other stations.

Despite the rain forecast, temperatures remained above normal in most parts of the Valley and Jammu region.

Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 31.7 degrees Celsius, which was 2.1 degrees above normal, while the minimum settled at 19.3 degrees Celsius, two degrees above normal.

Qazigund recorded 30.6 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam 25.1 degrees Celsius, Kupwara 30.7 degrees Celsius, Kokernag 29.9 degrees Celsius, and Gulmarg 20.2 degrees Celsius.

In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded a maximum of 37.3 degrees Celsius, Banihal 31.7 degrees Celsius, Katra 33.7 degrees Celsius, Batote 28.2 degrees Celsius, and Bhaderwah 29.6 degrees Celsius.

The MeT department said humidity levels remained high across the region, adding to the prevailing hot and humid conditions, particularly in the Jammu division.