The forecast for Jammu and Kashmir until July 9 calls for widespread rain ranging from moderate to heavy, along with the possibility of thunderstorms and lightning.
Srinagar, July 8: Rains ranging from moderate to heavy fell over Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, bringing with them cooler temperatures and a prediction of additional rain until July 9.
An official from the local meteorological department informed GNS that as of 8:30 a.m. local time today, rainfall totals in the preceding 24 hours were as follows: 20 mm in Srinagar, 94 mm in Qazigund, 73.3 mm in Pahalgam, 17.3 mm in Kupwara, 76.3 mm in Kokernag, 42.4 mm in Gulmarg, 12.0 mm in Jammu, 103.8 mm in Banihal, 16.
The official said, “Jammu and Kashmir can expect widespread moderate to heavy rain with thundershowers or lightning until July 9.”
“Heavy rain is also likely at some places in the Kashmir Division during the period and is expected to gradually decrease thereafter,” he added, referring to the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall in the Jammu Division.
The current Sri Amarnathji Yatra, he warned, might be negatively impacted by the weather system, and a sudden increase in water levels in rivers and local Nallahs could cause flash floods and water logging. He warned that the Jammu-Srinagar Highway, Zojila Pass, and other key steep highways might be affected by landslides, shooting stones, and mudslides in sensitive areas. The MeT also warned that daytime temperatures might drop significantly.
According to him, today’s low in Srinagar was 14.9 degrees Celsius, which is 2.9 degrees Celsius lower than average for the summer capital. This compares to the previous night’s low of 16.8 degrees Celsius.
He said that the temperature at Qazigund, the valley’s main entry point, dropped to 14.6 degrees Celsius (1.5 degrees Celsius below average) on Tuesday night, compared to 15.6 degrees Celsius the night before.
According to him, Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, saw a drop in temperature to 10.8 degrees Celsius from 10.1 degrees Celsius the night before.
According to him, the mercury dropped to 13.2 degrees Fahrenheit in Kupwara town last night, down from 15.3 degrees the night before and 2.8 degrees below typical for the north Kashmir region.
Officials reported a low temperature of 13.2 degrees Celsius in Kokernag, which is 2.5 degrees Celsius below usual and lower than the previous night’s temperature of 14.7 degrees Celsius.
The temperature at Gulmarg, a popular ski destination in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, dropped to 7.8 degrees Celsius from 10.2 degrees Celsius the night before, which is 3.0 degrees Celsius cooler than average.
According to him, the overnight low in Jammu was 24.6 degrees Celsius, which is 1.7 degrees Celsius lower than average for the winter capital of J&K.
Officials reported lows of 14.4 degrees in Banihal, 16.7 degrees in Batote, 20.2 degrees in Katra, and 17.1 degrees in Bhaderwah. (GNS)
