J&K to get respite from heat with light rainfall

Srinagar, Aug 04: The Meteorological Department (MeT) has predicted light rain at isolated locations in Jammu and Kashmir on August 4th and 5th, offering respite from the ongoing hot and humid conditions.
Early Sunday morning, the upper reaches of Budgam and Ganderbal district experienced light rainfall. By late evening, Katra, Kathua, Samba, Reasi, Jammu plains, upper parts of Rajouri, and Udhampur received showers.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the Meteorological Department Centre Kashmir, informed Rising Kashmir that light rain is expected across the Kashmir and Jammu regions. “From August 5th to 7th, brief spells of rain or thundershowers are possible at a few places during the day, with light to moderate rain or thundershowers expected in many areas of both divisions,” he said.
In Srinagar city, the weather is forecasted to be mostly cloudy with chances of light to moderate rain from August 3rd to 7th. Daytime temperatures are predicted to be between 27°C and 31°C, while nighttime temperatures will range from 18°C to 21°C. Wind speeds are expected to be around 1-2 km/hr from the South-Southwest to the West-Southwest direction, with relative humidity ranging from 70% to 90%.
Ramban authorities have issued advisories urging residents to avoid the Chenab River due to rising water levels caused by continuous rain. Deputy Commissioner Ramban has warned that the water level in the river is increasing, advising residents along the riverbanks to stay away and remain vigilant.
The MeT has also issued a weather advisory for the next three days, cautioning of intense showers with the possibility of flash floods, cloudbursts, landslides, and shooting stones over vulnerable areas of J&K.
Despite the recent rainfall, Jammu and Kashmir has experienced a rainfall deficit from June 1st to August 1st, 2024, with the Kashmir Valley showing a 60% deficit and the Jammu division a 35% deficit. However, the Extended Range Forecast from the IMD predicts above-normal rainfall from August 1st to 15th, followed by a potential deficit from August 15th to 29th.
Recent temperature recordings include Srinagar at 31.4°C maximum and 22.4°C minimum; Gulmarg at 17.2°C maximum and 14.2°C minimum; Pahalgam at 27.5°C maximum and 17.5°C minimum; Kokernag at 30.7°C maximum and 19.7°C minimum; and Kupwara at 32.5°C maximum and 19.7°C minimum. Jammu recorded 31.1°C maximum and 27.1°C minimum, while Katra saw temperatures of 29.0°C maximum and 24.1°C minimum.
To escape the heat, many residents are flocking to water bodies and hill stations.
Traffic disruptions have also been reported, with the Srinagar-Kargil road blocked due to a cloudburst in the Kawcherwan Kangan area. The highway was later restored for normal traffic. The Srinagar-Jammu highway saw slow movement due to the breakdown of heavy motor vehicles, with single-lane traffic in several areas.
Subject to fair weather, SANJY convoy, LMVs, and passenger vehicles will be allowed on the Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44) from Jammu to Srinagar and vice versa. On the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag NH-244, vehicular movement (only LMVs) will be permitted between Anantnag and Kishtwar from 0900 hrs to 1300 hrs. The historic Mughal Road will see vehicular movement (LMVs and HMVs up to 10 tyres) from Poonch to Shopian and vice versa, with allowances from Behramgalla (Buffliaz) and Herpora (Shopian) from 0600 hrs to 1800 hrs.