Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, June 24

Rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds, and isolated hailstorms struck several parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday evening, prompting weather officials to warn of another spell of widespread rainfall from June 30 that could trigger flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas.

The Meteorological Department said showers affected parts of Kupwara, Handwara, Baramulla, Sopore, Ganderbal, and Bandipora districts in Kashmir, as well as areas of Srinagar, Poonch, Rajouri, and Kishtwar in the Jammu region.

Weather activity was also reported along both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes leading to the Amarnath cave shrine, where annual pilgrimage preparations are underway.

Officials said some locations experienced intense but brief downpours accompanied by thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail, particularly in north and central Kashmir.

Heavy rainfall led to localised waterlogging in low-lying areas of Srinagar, although no major damage was immediately reported.

The weather office advised residents to remain indoors during thunderstorms and avoid standing near electric poles, overhead wires, old trees, and temporary structures. Authorities also advised suspension of boating and shikara operations on water bodies during adverse weather.

Forecasters said generally dry weather would prevail across much of Jammu and Kashmir until June 29, although isolated areas could continue to receive brief afternoon and evening showers accompanied by gusty winds.

A more active weather system is expected to affect the region from June 30 to July 3, bringing light to moderate rain and thundershowers to many places, with the possibility of locally intense rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds.

The Meteorological Department warned that heavy showers at isolated locations could trigger flash floods, mudslides, and landslides, particularly in mountainous terrain, and urged residents, tourists, and pilgrims to avoid streams, nallahs, and landslide-prone areas during periods of intense rainfall.

Despite the showers, temperatures remained above seasonal averages across much of Kashmir.

Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 32 degrees Celsius, nearly three degrees above normal, while Qazigund registered 31.6 degrees Celsius, more than four degrees above average. Gulmarg and Pahalgam recorded maximum temperatures of 23.2 degrees Celsius and 25.7 degrees Celsius, respectively.

In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded a maximum of 39.5 degrees Celsius, while Katra reached 36 degrees Celsius.

The weather department said it was closely monitoring evolving conditions and advised the public to follow official forecasts and safety advisories, particularly in view of increased tourist movement and the forthcoming Amarnath pilgrimage.