Amid growing concerns over shifting weather patterns, the Meteorological Department in Srinagar has issued a comprehensive advisory for Jammu and Kashmir, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall, flash floods, and an increased risk of landslides in the coming days. The alert comes as the region begins to see a change in weather following several days of intense heat.
According to Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the MET Department, the weather is expected to remain generally cloudy between July 16–17 and again from July 21–23, with intermittent spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers across various parts of the Union Territory. He cautioned that isolated areas are likely to experience intense downpours, including heavy to very heavy rainfall, which could lead to flash floods and landslides particularly in vulnerable zones and along mountainous routes.
During the intervening period from July 18 to 20, scattered to fairly widespread regions are also expected to receive light to moderate rainfall. The advisory urges residents, especially those in flood-prone and slide-prone areas, to stay alert, avoid unnecessary travel, and closely follow official updates. Authorities have likewise been advised to take precautionary measures to prevent disruption and ensure public safety, particularly along highways and hilly terrain prone to shooting stones and mudslides.
The region has already received rainfall over the past two days, bringing much-needed relief from the heatwave that had gripped both the Kashmir and Jammu divisions. According to the latest data, several areas across the Union Territory have recorded varying amounts of rainfall.
Rainfall Details
In the Kashmir Valley, southern districts saw relatively higher precipitation, with:
* Kulgam receiving 19.2 mm,
* Pahalgam 16.6 mm,
* Gulmarg 17.2 mm,
* Awantipora 14 mm,
* Tangmarg and Nowgam Handwara around 14 mm each.
Light to moderate showers were also reported from Kokernag, Qazigund, Sonamarg, and Charar-i-Sharief.
Srinagar city recorded 6.3 mm, while the Srinagar airport logged 6.8 mm.
Pulwama and Kupwara received 8 mm and 7 mm respectively, while Sopore, Bandipora, and Shopian saw lighter rainfall.
In the Jammu region, the highest rainfall was reported in:
* Udhampur with 46 mm,
* Katra 37.8 mm,
* Reasi 27 mm,
* Rajouri 23 mm.
Jammu city and its airport recorded 17.9 mm and 15.6 mm respectively.
Other areas like Poonch received 14 mm, while Banihal, Batote, and Ramban saw between 5 to 7 mm.
Kathua, however, remained dry during this period.
In the Ladakh region, Leh and Kargil recorded 3.6 mm and 1.5 mm of rainfall, respectively, over the past 24 hours.
The MET Department has reiterated the need for caution and public cooperation to mitigate potential risks associated with extreme weather. Residents are strongly advised to stay informed and prioritize safety during the forecasted periods of intense weather activity.
