A thunderstorm this morning turned day into night in Jammu for more than an hour and heavy rain flooded several areas.
The unexpected weather affected normal life as Jammu received 8 mm of rain, ending weeks of dry spell. There is a forecast for moderate showers in the next 72 hours, which can further bring down temperature.
Dark clouds engulfed the city and chaos prevailed on roads during the morning rush hour today.
The unusual weather was surprising for people as the monsoon has already retreated from the state.
The weatherman said a strong western disturbance caused the thunderstorm.
“The typical pattern of the western disturbance is thunder and heavy rain. There was a forecast for rain, but what happens in the upper atmosphere is a natural phenomenon. There is no need to worry as it happens,” said Meenakshi Gupta, head of Agrometeorology Department at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu.
Such a phenomenon had earlier occurred in February and June this year.
“It was scary for an hour. The sun was blocked by dark clouds, leading to chaos. Most employees reached their offices late,” said Kamlesh Gupta, a businessman.
On the Janipur Bus Stand road, Canal Road, Bohri and Dogra Chowks, hundreds of vehicles remained stranded as waterlogging slowed down traffic. The General Bus Stand presented an unhygienic look and its potholed road, which filled with rainwater, gave a tough time to the passengers.
Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department has forecast moderate rain in the next five days. The maximum temperature is expected to remain between 33°C and 29°C while the minimum temperature will hover between 20°C and 19°C.
