Mercury Dips Slightly in JK; MeT Predicts Rain from July 5

SRINAGAR: A slight drop in temperatures brought some relief from the ongoing heatwave in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, even as the Meteorological Department predicted light to moderate rainfall across the region from July 5.

Srinagar, the summer capital, recorded a maximum temperature of 32.8°C, down from 34.2°C recorded a day earlier.

Qazigund recorded 29.2°C, while Pahalgam saw 27.2°C. Other stations reported: Kupwara at 34.4°C, Kokernag at 30.0°C, and Gulmarg—a prominent ski resort—at 22.8°C.

In the Jammu region, temperatures remained below normal. Jammu city recorded 32.9°C, Katra 31.0°C, and Bhaderwah 30.6°C. Banihal and Batote reported 27.3°C and 26.5°C, respectively.

Meanwhile, seasonal rainfall data compiled by the local Meteorological department from June 1 to July 2 shows that Kishtwar, Kulgam, and Bandipora recorded large rainfall deficits, ranging from 60% to 99%.

Nine other districts—Srinagar, Shopian, Poonch, Kupwara, Ganderbal, Doda, Baramulla, Budgam, and Anantnag—recorded deficits between 20% and 59%.

In contrast, Rajouri, Reasi, and Samba recorded large excess rainfall. Rajouri received 187.1 mm against a normal of 94.1 mm, Samba recorded 155 mm against an average of 88.4 mm, and Reasi reported 312.4 mm against a normal of 151 mm.

Director Meteorological Department, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, said generally cloudy weather is expected between July 5 and July 7 with light to moderate rain and thundershowers at many places. “Few places may witness intense showers with heavy rain at isolated locations in Jammu division,” he said.

From July 8 to July 10, brief showers are likely at scattered locations.

The MeT Department has also issued an advisory warning of flash floods at vulnerable spots, along with the possibility of landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones between July 5 and 7.

“Rise in water levels in rivers, streams, and local nallahs, as well as waterlogging in low-lying areas, is also expected during this period,” Dr Ahmad added. (KNO)