Srinagar, August 8 — The Kashmir Valley is bracing for a prolonged wet spell, with the Meteorological Department (MeT) forecasting intermittent rainfall and thundershowers across Jammu and Kashmir over the next 10 days and warning of potentially intense weather between August 9 and 11.
The weather system is expected to become more active during the three-day period, when most parts of Jammu and Kashmir are likely to receive light to moderate rain and thundershowers. Heavy to very heavy rainfall has been forecast at a few places in the Jammu division, while isolated areas of Kashmir could experience brief but intense heavy showers.
The MeT has cautioned that torrential rain and intense showers during this period could trigger flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas and lead to waterlogging in low-lying localities.
“People are advised to stay away from nallahs, landslide-prone areas and other vulnerable locations during the forecast period.”
Authorities have also been advised to remain alert in view of the possibility of sudden weather-related incidents.
• August 8: One or two spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers are likely at many places, with brief intense showers possible at a few locations.
• August 9-11: Most areas are expected to receive light to moderate rain and thundershowers. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is possible in a few districts of Jammu division, while isolated districts of Kashmir may receive intense heavy showers.
• August 12-17: The wet conditions are expected to continue, with intermittent light rain and thundershowers likely at many places and brief intense showers possible at a few locations.
Meanwhile, temperatures across Kashmir remained below normal, reflecting the prevailing cloudy and wet conditions.
Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 28.5°C, which was 1.4°C below normal. Pahalgam recorded 23.5°C, 2.2°C below the seasonal average, while Kupwara registered 28.3°C, 2.4°C below normal. Gulmarg recorded a maximum of 20.2°C.
In Jammu, the maximum temperature stood at 33.7°C, marginally above normal.
Light rainfall was also recorded at several locations during the day. Qazigund received 1.3 mm, Katra 2 mm and Bhaderwah 1.4 mm, while several stations across Kashmir recorded trace rainfall during the preceding 24 hours.
With the wet spell expected to persist through the middle of August, residents in flood- and landslide-prone areas have been urged to exercise caution, particularly during periods of intense rainfall.
