Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, June 12

The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has forecast rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds across Jammu and Kashmir over the coming week, warning that brief intense showers could trigger flash floods and mudslides in vulnerable areas.

The weather department said conditions would remain partly to generally cloudy, with spells of light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds expected across both Kashmir and Jammu divisions.

Despite intermittent rainfall in recent days, temperatures remained above normal in many parts of the Union Territory. Jammu recorded the highest maximum temperature at 41.8 degrees Celsius, three degrees above normal, while Srinagar registered 31.5 degrees Celsius, 3.5 degrees above the seasonal average.

The department said scattered rainfall and thunderstorms, accompanied by gusty winds of 40-50 kmph and gusts reaching up to 60 kmph at some places, were likely over the next several days.

Weather conditions are expected to remain unsettled through June 19, with light rain, brief intense showers and thunderstorms forecast at scattered locations.

The MeT Centre advised residents to exercise caution because of the possibility of lightning, hailstorms and strong winds. It warned that isolated intense showers could lead to flash floods and mudslides, particularly in vulnerable and hilly areas.

People were advised to avoid sheltering near loose structures, electric poles, overhead power lines and old trees during adverse weather conditions. The department also recommended suspension of boating and shikara operations during periods of strong winds and thunderstorms.

Among other stations in Kashmir, Qazigund recorded a maximum temperature of 30.2 degrees Celsius, Kupwara 30.2 degrees, Kokernag 29.0 degrees, Pahalgam 25.9 degrees and Gulmarg 21.6 degrees.

In Jammu division, Kathua recorded 41.6 degrees Celsius, Katra 38.3 degrees, Batote 31.3 degrees, Banihal 29.2 degrees and Bhaderwah 27.2 degrees.

According to the weather department, rainfall during the previous 24 hours was reported from several places, including Bhaderwah with 28.2 mm, Batote 27.6 mm, Doda 18 mm, Jammu 12 mm, Kishtwar 8 mm and Sonamarg 7 mm.

Minimum temperatures settled at 13.6 degrees Celsius in Srinagar and 24.1 degrees Celsius in Jammu, both below their respective seasonal averages, the department said.