Rain Brings Much-Needed Relief to Kashmir, Ends Prolonged Heatwave

SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Valley breathed a sigh of relief as widespread rainfall lashed the region on Tuesday and early Wednesday, bringing an end to a gruelling two-month-long stretch of heat and humidity. Intermittent downpours recorded across the region helped ease the 15-day-long heatwave, with meteorologists forecasting more showers in the days ahead.

According to rainfall data compiled till 8:30 am on Wednesday, the ski resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded the highest precipitation in the Valley at 12.6 mm, followed by Sonamarg with 7.5 mm, Asham with 6.0 mm, and Wular with 5.0 mm. Other areas receiving measurable rainfall included Kokernag (4.2 mm), Qazigund, Ganderbal, Baramulla, and Bandipora (each at 4.0 mm), while Srinagar city recorded 2.6 mm. Traces of rain were reported from Awantipora, with places like Sangam and Batkoot remaining dry.

In the Jammu region, Kathua saw an exceptionally heavy downpour of 174.8 mm, while Samba received 96.0 mm. Jammu city itself recorded 37.7 mm of rainfall, and Jammu Airport saw 20.6 mm. Other notable figures include Udhampur (9.0 mm), Batote (5.8 mm), and Rajouri (5.6 mm).

The MeT office in Srinagar said the present weather system will likely persist until Thursday, with the possibility of intense showers and torrential rain at isolated places. “Intermittent light to moderate rain and thundershowers will continue at many places,” the department said, warning of flash floods, landslides, and waterlogging in low-lying areas.

The rain has brought an end to a prolonged hot spell in Kashmir, during which temperatures soared above 37°C, breaking decades-old records. Srinagar recorded 37.4°C—the highest in 72 years—while other districts too witnessed sweltering conditions. The dry spell had led to a 50 per cent precipitation deficit in June and early July, causing significant distress to both the public and the agricultural sector.

Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the Meteorological Department in Srinagar, said, “The rainfall over the past two days has helped reduce the precipitation deficit, and we expect more rain from July 14 to 16. However, from July 11 to 13, the weather is expected to turn hot and humid again, with temperatures hovering around 30°C.”

While the rain brought widespread relief, it also caused disruptions in some pockets. In Mantipora village of Anantnag’s Chattergul area, flash floods inundated residential zones with mud and debris. A house belonging to Gulzar Ahmad Salroo sustained damage, though no injuries were reported. Locals have appealed to the administration for assistance in rebuilding efforts.

In Uri sub-division of Baramulla district, heavy downpour triggered landslides, blocking the vital Uri highway for nearly three hours. Authorities later cleared the debris and restored traffic movement.

The dry spell and accompanying heatwave had led to drought-like conditions in parts of Kashmir, affecting paddy cultivation and drying up natural water sources. Springs and streams dwindled in volume, compelling the Jal Shakti Department to deploy water tankers to meet drinking water demands.

Farmers and orchardists across the Valley, many of whom had been anxiously awaiting rainfall, welcomed the showers with relief. The added moisture is expected to benefit rice paddies, apple orchards, and maize crops, which were beginning to suffer due to the prolonged dry conditions.

The Meteorological Department has issued a detailed weekly forecast for Jammu and Kashmir. From July 9–10, the region will experience cloudy weather with intermittent rain and thundershowers. From July 11 to 13, hot and humid conditions are expected, with occasional light rain at scattered locations. Another round of rainfall is expected between July 14 and 16, accompanied by more widespread precipitation.

The department continues to warn of possible landslides, flash floods, and waterlogging in vulnerable areas. Commuters and residents have been advised to stay updated through official advisories, especially in hill-bound and low-lying regions.

With springs beginning to replenish and crops getting much-needed moisture, the rainfall has marked a turning point in what had been one of the most testing summer stretches in recent memory for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.