J&K Braces for Widespread Rain, Thunderstorms; IMD Issues Heavy Rain Alert

Srinagar, Aug 3: The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has forecast widespread light to moderate rain and thunderstorms across Jammu and Kashmir over the next 24 hours, with similar weather likely to persist for the following two days.

The weather office has warned of isolated heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds (30–40 kmph) across both Kashmir and Jammu divisions from August 3 to August 5. The adverse weather may trigger landslides, mudslides, flash floods, shooting stones and waterlogging at vulnerable locations, particularly in hilly and low-lying areas.

According to the seven-day outlook, widespread rainfall is expected to continue over Jammu and Kashmir until August 5, followed by fairly widespread rainfall on August 6 and 7. Rain activity is likely to become scattered over Kashmir on August 8 and 9, while Jammu is expected to continue witnessing fairly widespread rain during the period.

During the past 24 hours, maximum daytime temperatures remained 0–2°C above normal at many places in Kashmir, with Kupwara recording the highest maximum temperature of 30.9°C in the Valley. In Jammu division, Mirpur registered the highest maximum temperature at 36.5°C. The lowest minimum temperature was recorded at Gulmarg (12.5°C) in Kashmir and Bhaderwah (17.0°C) in Jammu. Widespread light to moderate rain and thundershowers were reported, with Udhampur receiving the highest rainfall of 54.4 mm.

For Tuesday (August 4), the weather office has forecast generally cloudy skies with light to moderate rain and thundershowers over Srinagar (25°C/21°C) and Jammu (30°C/27°C). Similar conditions are expected over Muzaffarabad (31°C/25°C) and Mirpur (31°C/27°C).

Authorities have advised residents, commuters and tourists to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel to landslide-prone areas during heavy rain spells, and follow official weather advisories.