Srinagar, July 24: In a welcome change of weather, a light spell of rainfall on Saturday brought down temperatures in Kashmir, providing relief from the hot and humid conditions that had been prevailing. The Meteorological Department (MeT) has now forecasted a two-day wet spell, starting from the evening of June 25 until June 28, in the region, according to officials.
Sonam Lotus, the Director of the Meteorological Department Centre Kashmir, informed Rising Kashmir that the light rain experienced in parts of the Valley brought respite from the scorching heat wave. He further stated that the department expects light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning at many places, with intense showers for short periods in a few areas over the next 4-6 hours, which will gradually decrease later.
Lotus also mentioned that people in Jammu and Kashmir are very likely to experience relief from the heat wave starting from June 26th, as intermittent rain is expected between the evening of June 25th and June 28th. Some places in Jammu and Kashmir may even receive heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning, he added.
According to the Meteorological Department, the maximum day temperatures in Kashmir are expected to range between 32-34°C, while the plains of the Jammu region may see temperatures of 38-40°C.
Previously, on Friday, the summer capital Srinagar recorded the highest temperature of the season so far, with the mercury touching 34.8°C. Srinagar registered a maximum temperature of 34.8°C and a minimum temperature of 22.4°C. The ski resort Gulmarg in north Kashmir experienced the coldest temperatures, with a high of 24.2°C and a low of 14.4°C. Meanwhile, the health resort Pahalgam in south Kashmir recorded a maximum temperature of 29.8°C and a minimum temperature of 13.3°C. In Jammu, the maximum temperature was recorded at 37.7°C, with a minimum temperature of 28.7°C. Kupwara in north Kashmir reached a maximum temperature of 34°C, while Banihal recorded a maximum temperature of 32.7°C and a minimum temperature of 21.2°C.
Regarding transportation, the traffic spokesman stated that, subject to fair weather and road clearance, on Sunday, LMVs (Passenger/Private Cars) will be allowed from both sides on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, namely from Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa. The Traffic Control Unit (TCU) in Jammu/Srinagar will coordinate with TCU Ramban before releasing the traffic.
Similarly, on the Srinagar-Leh road, vehicular movement will be permitted from both sides, including from Srinagar towards Kargil and vice-versa. LMVs will be followed by HMVs and allowed from Minamarg towards Srinagar between 06:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. LMVs followed by HMVs will also be allowed from Sonamarg towards Kargil between 01:00 p.m. and 05:00 p.m. No vehicles will be allowed after the specified cut-off timings, as announced by the spokesman.
On the Mughal road, LMVs will be allowed from both sides, specifically from Poonch towards Shopian and vice versa.
