Srinagar Records 34°C; Rain Predicted Across JK This Weekend

SRINAGAR: Amid the ongoing heatwave, Jammu and Kashmir is expected to get much-needed relief, with the Meteorological Department forecasting heavy rainfall on July 6.

The local Meteorological Department reported that Srinagar, the summer capital, recorded a maximum temperature of 34.0°C, 4.4 degrees above normal.

Kupwara followed as the second hottest place in Kashmir at 33.4°C, while Qazigund recorded 32.8°C. Kokernag recorded a maximum temperature of 32.4°C.

Pahalgam, a well-known tourist destination, recorded a day temperature of 29.0°C, and Gulmarg, a popular ski resort, recorded 23.5°C.

Meanwhile, Jammu continued to record below-normal temperatures, with the city registering 34.5°C. Banihal recorded 30.1°C.

Batote, Katra, and Bhaderwah recorded maximum temperatures of 27.2°C, 30.5°C, and 32.4°C respectively.

The MeT department has predicted hot and humid weather with the possibility of a brief spell of rain and thundershowers at scattered places on Thursday.

Director MeT, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, said hot and humid conditions are expected during the day on July 5, with a chance of light to moderate rain and thunderstorms towards the late night.

Between July 6 and July 8, generally cloudy skies with intermittent light to moderate rain and thundershowers are expected at many places. A few areas, especially in the Jammu division, may experience intense spells of heavy rainfall.

Independent weather forecaster Aadil Maqbool said that a combination of a Western Disturbance and monsoon winds is likely to bring widespread rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir starting July 6. “Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also possible,” he said.

“As per current models, peak activity is expected on July 6 and 7, with additional spells on July 8,” Maqbool added.

In the meantime, the MeT department has issued an advisory warning of flash floods in vulnerable areas, along with the risk of landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones between July 6 and 8.

The advisory also mentioned a likely rise in water levels in rivers, streams, and local nallahs, along with possible waterlogging in low-lying areas. (KNO)