JK likely to receive widespread rain, thunderstorms; heavy rain forecast in Jammu

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir is likely to witness fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms during the next 24 hours, with isolated heavy rainfall expected at places in the Jammu division, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The Meteorological Centre, Srinagar, in its weather bulletin issued at 11 am on Friday, said the maximum day temperature during the past 24 hours remained 3-5°C above normal at many places in Kashmir Division, while it was 1-2°C above normal at many places in Jammu Division.

The highest maximum temperature in Kashmir was recorded at Kupwara and Srinagar at 32.5°C, while Kathua recorded the highest temperature in Jammu Division at 33.4°C.

Night temperatures also remained above normal, with minimum temperatures 1-3°C above normal at many places in both Kashmir and Jammu divisions. Gulmarg recorded the lowest minimum temperature in Kashmir at 6.2°C, while Bhaderwah recorded the lowest in Jammu Division at 18.1°C.

The highest rainfall during the period was recorded at AWS Argh Rajouri, which received 28.0 mm of precipitation.

The IMD has forecast fairly widespread light to moderate rain and thunderstorms across J&K during the next 24 hours, with isolated heavy rainfall in Jammu Division. For the subsequent two days, scattered light rain and thunderstorms are likely.

For the seven-day period from September 4 to September 10, the forecast indicates fairly widespread rainfall in both divisions on September 4, followed by scattered rainfall on September 5 and 6. Isolated rainfall is expected from September 7 to 9, while scattered activity may continue in Jammu Division on September 10.

The IMD has issued a warning for isolated thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching 30-40 kmph in Kashmir Division on September 4.

In Jammu Division, isolated heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph is expected. The weather system may also trigger landslides, mudslides, shooting stones and flash floods at vulnerable places, the bulletin said.

The local forecast for September 5 suggests generally cloudy skies with light rain or thunderstorms in Srinagar, while Jammu is likely to receive light to moderate rain or thunderstorms.

Srinagar is expected to record a maximum temperature of 32°C and minimum of 18°C, while Jammu may see a maximum of 30°C and minimum of 22°C. Muzaffarabad is forecast to have a maximum of 30°C and minimum of 18°C, with light rain or thunderstorms, while Mirpur is likely to record 30°C and 22°C, respectively.

The Meteorological Centre has advised people to remain updated and exercise caution, particularly in areas vulnerable to weather-related hazards.