Srinagar, May 29: A brief spell of rain on Thursday provided much-needed relief from the ongoing heatwave in the Kashmir Valley, as temperatures dipped several degrees below normal across the region. However, the Jammu division continues to reel under intense heat and humidity, with no immediate respite in sight, according to the Meteorological Department (MeT).
Director MeT, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, told Rising Kashmir that light to moderate rainfall is likely over most parts of North, Central, and South Kashmir, including Poonch, Rajouri, Banihal, Ramban, Reasi, Udhampur, Jammu, Doda, and Kishtwar within the next 24 hours.
“There is a strong likelihood of light to moderate rainfall or thundershowers at most locations on May 30 and 31,” Dr. Ahmad said. “A few areas may witness heavy rainfall accompanied by intense showers and gusty winds.”
“From June 1 to 3, the weather will remain mostly calm, with brief spells of light rain or thundershowers at isolated locations. The period between June 4 and 6 is expected to stay generally dry, although brief rain showers may occur during the late afternoon at isolated spots,” he said.
Meanwhile, the MeT Centre Srinagar has also issued an advisory for the public, especially for those residing in vulnerable or low-lying areas. It warned of moderate to heavy rain, thunder, and gusty winds at scattered places during May 30–31.
MeT cautioned that this weather may trigger landslides and mudslides in susceptible areas and flash floods in isolated spots due to intense showers.
“People are advised to stay away from loose structures, electric poles, overhead cables, and trees during periods of inclement weather. People should stay informed through regular updates and follow safety precautions as necessary,” MeT said in its advisory.
Kashmir Valley witnessed a significant variation in maximum and minimum temperatures, along with isolated rainfall across some areas. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 28.2°C, which was 2.2°C above normal, and a minimum temperature of 15.5°C.
In Qazigund, the maximum temperature stood at 28.5°C, 3.4°C above normal, while the minimum settled at 12.4°C, which was 2.0°C above normal. Pahalgam saw a cooler day with a maximum of 24.4°C (1.8°C above normal) and a minimum of 8.1°C (also 1.8°C above normal).
Kupwara recorded a maximum temperature of 27.0°C, slightly above normal by 0.5°C, and a minimum of 12.4°C, 2.0°C above normal. Kokernag reported a maximum of 27.6°C, a departure of 3.1°C above normal, and a minimum of 12.0°C, which was 1.7°C above normal.
Gulmarg had a maximum temperature of 18.2°C, which was 1.4°C above normal, and a minimum of 7.4°C, 0.5°C above normal. The station recorded 3.8 mm of rainfall. The morning and evening humidity stood at 80% and 89%, respectively.
In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded a maximum of 40.0°C, marginally above normal by 0.9°C, and a minimum of 25.6°C, 0.4°C above normal, with humidity levels dropping from 41% in the morning to 29% in the evening.
Banihal experienced a maximum of 28.6°C and a minimum of 13.2°C, both 1.0°C above normal, with no rainfall.
Batote registered a high of 29.8°C, 2.1°C above normal, and a low of 17.1°C, 2.2°C above normal, also remaining dry throughout the day. Katra reported a maximum of 37.4°C (1.4°C above normal) and a minimum of 23.4°C (0.7°C above normal). Humidity levels in Katra were at 42% in the morning and 31% in the evening.
Bhaderwah had a maximum temperature of 28.2°C, slightly below normal by 0.4°C, while the minimum temperature of 14.4°C was significantly above normal by 2.7°C. The station recorded 0.6 mm of rainfall during the day.
