Srinagar, July 29: Parts of south and central Kashmir, including Srinagar, experienced light rainfall on Monday, providing much-needed relief from the recent heat wave and prolonged dry spell that had gripped the Valley.
The maximum temperature has dropped significantly below normal levels, with continued cloudy weather expected over the next 24 hours. The Met Department forecasts intermittent spells of rain and thundershowers for the next 48 hours.
Officials said moderate to heavy rainfall was reported from south Kashmir districts (Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam, and Shopian) while light-to-moderate downpour occurred in the rest of the valley, including Srinagar city.
Director MeT, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad told Rising Kashmir that light to moderate rainfall occurred in south and central Kashmir areas on Monday brought relief from heatwave.
“Intermittent spell of light to moderate rainfall alongwith thundershowers was reported at many places of Kashmir & some places of Jammu division,” he said.
The Met Director said that during the next 48 hours weather will remain generally cloudy with intermittent spells of rain and thundershower at many places of Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr. Mukhtar said that from 1-7th August, weather will remain generally cloudy with spells of intermittent light to moderate rain in the region.
Meanwhile, the MeT department has issued an advisory warning of intense showers for brief periods, with the possibility of flash floods, cloudbursts, landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones in vulnerable areas of J&K. There is also a possibility of heavy rainfall in some parts of the Jammu division.
Local farmers expressed their relief and joy as the rain revitalized their crops. “After the rainfall today, we are now happy as the paddy and maize fields received much-needed water,” said one farmer, emphasizing the vital role of the downpour in reviving their crops.
The prolonged dry period had raised serious concerns about the paddy and maize fields, with crops showing increasing signs of damage. The recent rainfall has alleviated these issues, offering a critical boost to the struggling agricultural sector.
Earlier warnings from the agriculture department had highlighted the potential for significant losses without timely rainfall. The department had urged both farmers and residents to conserve water to avoid exacerbating the crisis.
Today’s rains have provided essential support for the farmers, helping to sustain their fields and prevent a potential agricultural disaster.
Athar Jameel, a local resident from Pattan said this spell was much needed and it brought our lives back. Our prayers are being answered. We hope rainfall will continue for some days as most of the water bodies have dried up,” he said.
“The Valley’s farmers are relieved, as the rain is expected to aid in the growth of crops, ensuring a better yield for the season,” Athar said.
On Sunday, Srinagar experienced its highest maximum temperature since 1997, reaching 36.2 degree Celsius. The subsequent record night temperature of 24.8 degree Celsius made conditions particularly uncomfortable for the local inhabitants.
Similarly, Kokernag also recorded the highest ever maximum at 34.1°C recorded on 28th July 2024. The 2nd highest maximum is 33.3°C was recorded on 3rd July 2024 and 3rd highest temperature is 33°C and was recorded on 8 July 1993.
Due to the soaring temperatures and intense heat, authorities have suspended school activities for primary classes till Tuesday in the Kashmir Valley.
A traffic police spokesman reported slow movement on the Srinagar-Jammu highway on Monday due to the breakdown of several heavy motor vehicles (HMVs).
On Tuesday, LMVs Passenger/Private Cars shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44) viz from Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa. However, HMVs shall be allowed on alternate days. TCU Jammu/Srinagar shall liaise with TCU Ramban before releasing this traffic,” it said.
On Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road shall be allowed from both sides viz from Anantnag towards Kishtwar and vice versa. These vehicles shall be allowed from Daksum and Chingam (Chatroo) between 0800 hrs to 1500 hrs. No vehicle shall be allowed after cut off timing.
On Mughal road, subject to fair weather and good road condition, vehicular movement (LMVs followed by HMVs upto 10 tyres) on Mughal road shall be allowed from both sides viz. from Poonch towards Shopian and vice versa.
“These vehicles shall be allowed from Behramgalla (Buffliaz) and Herpora (Shopian) at 0600 hrs. upto 1800 hrs. No vehicle shall be allowed after the cut of timing,” it said.
