Srinagar: Amid growing weather concerns, the Meteorological Department Srinagar has issued a comprehensive advisory for Jammu and Kashmir, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall, flash floods, and increased risk of landslides in the coming days. The warning comes as the region witnesses a shift in weather, following days of relentless heat.
According to Director MET, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, the weather is expected to remain generally cloudy between July 16–17 and again from July 21–23, with intermittent spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers across various parts of the Union Territory. He warned that isolated locations are likely to experience intense showers and even heavy to very heavy rainfall during these two periods, which may trigger flash floods and landslides, particularly in vulnerable areas and along mountainous routes.
In the intervening period from July 18 to 20, scattered to fairly widespread regions are also expected to receive light to moderate rainfall. The advisory has urged residents, especially those living in flood-prone and slide-prone zones, to stay alert, avoid unnecessary travel, and closely monitor official updates. Authorities have also been advised to take precautionary measures to prevent disruption and ensure public safety, particularly on major highways and hilly terrain that may witness shooting stones and mudslides.
The region has already received rainfall over the past two days, providing much-needed relief from the recent heatwave that had gripped both Kashmir and Jammu divisions. According to the latest data, several areas in both regions have experienced varying amounts of rainfall.
In the Kashmir Valley, southern districts witnessed relatively higher rainfall, with Kulgam receiving 19.2 mm, followed closely by Pahalgam at 16.6 mm. Gulmarg recorded 17.2 mm, Awantipora 14 mm, and both Tangmarg and Nowgam Handwara around 14 mm. Light to moderate showers were also reported in other areas such as Kokernag, Qazigund, Sonamarg, and Charar-i-Sharief. Srinagar city received 6.3 mm of rain, while its airport recorded 6.8 mm. Pulwama and Kupwara received 8 mm and 7 mm respectively, while Sopore, Bandipora, and Shopian reported lighter precipitation.
In the Jammu region, the highest rainfall was recorded in Udhampur at 46 mm, followed by Katra with 37.8 mm, Reasi with 27 mm, and Rajouri at 23 mm. Jammu city and its airport reported rainfall amounts of 17.9 mm and 15.6 mm respectively. Poonch received 14 mm, while Banihal, Batote, and Ramban recorded rainfall between 5 to 7 mm. Kathua, however, did not receive any rainfall during this period.
Meanwhile, in the Ladakh region, Leh and Kargil also received some rain, with 3.6 mm and 1.5 mm recorded respectively over the past 24 hours.
The MET Department urged the public to exercise caution and follow advisories to mitigate any risk arising from extreme weather conditions. [KNT]
