MeT warns of heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides across J&K from July 20
Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, July 16
Srinagar recorded its second-highest daytime temperature of the month on Thursday as a fresh spell of hot and humid weather gripped Kashmir, while forecasters warned that heavy rain could trigger flash floods and landslides across parts of Jammu and Kashmir from the weekend.
The summer capital registered a maximum temperature of 34.2 degrees Celsius, just below this month’s high of 34.5 degrees Celsius recorded on July 10, according to the Meteorological Department.
The mercury has climbed steadily after a sharp dip caused by intermittent rainfall earlier this week. Srinagar’s maximum temperature had fallen to 22.7 degrees Celsius on July 12 before rising to 30 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, 32 degrees Celsius on Wednesday and 34.2 degrees Celsius on Thursday.
Elsewhere in the Kashmir Valley, Qazigund recorded 32.5 degrees Celsius, Kokernag 32.4 degrees Celsius, Kupwara 33.2 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam 28.9 degrees Celsius and Gulmarg 25.4 degrees Celsius.
Temperatures in the Jammu region remained close to seasonal averages under the influence of the monsoon, with Jammu city recording 36.4 degrees Celsius.
Meteorological Department Director Mukhtar Ahmad said hot and humid conditions were expected to persist until July 18, with temperatures likely to rise further over the next two days before easing.
A fresh spell of rain is forecast to begin on July 19, with light to moderate rainfall and thundershowers expected across many areas. The department said weather activity was likely to intensify between July 20 and July 23, with the heaviest rainfall expected on July 21 and 22.
Authorities have warned of the possibility of flash floods, landslides and mudslides in vulnerable areas of the Chenab Valley, the Pir Panjal range and the hilly regions of Kashmir. Waterlogging and a rise in river and stream levels are also expected, particularly in the Jammu division.
The weather office has advised farmers to suspend agricultural operations between July 20 and 23, while urging tourists, trekkers and commuters to monitor weather updates before travelling.
