Jammu and Kashmir in the ongoing season has recorded normal precipitation of 99.2 mm while the weatherman here has issued a fresh weather advisory, predicting the possibility of moderate to heavy rainfall in the Union Territory over the next two days. The weatherman has also stated that the major wet spell would likely impact the ongoing Amarnath yatra.
Director Meteorological Department Sonum Lotus has forwarded a copy of weather advisory to Divisional Commissioners of both the regions of Jammu and Kashmir, informing them about the possibility of major wet spell from July 08 to 09.
“Under the influence of Monsoon winds & Western Disturbance, Widespread Moderate to Heavy rain with thundershower/lightning is expected in Jammu & Kashmir during 7- 9th July with main activity on 8-9th. Some places in Jammu Division are very likely to receive heavy to very heavy rain whereas heavy rain is also likely at some places of Kashmir Division during the above period and decrease thereafter gradually,” reads the advisory.
Lotus in the advisory has stated that the fresh wet spell would likely affect the Amarnath Yatra. Pertinently, the pilgrimage was today suspended by the government in wake of the inclement weather conditions as most of the areas received fresh rainfall.
There is a possibility of sharp rise in the water levels of rivers, local Nallahs, leading to flash floods and water logging, he said, adding that the wet spell may cause landslides, shooting stones and mudslides at vulnerable places as well.
He added that the two-day rainfall would also disrupt surface transportation mainly on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, Zojila Pass, and other major hilly roads, adding that the day temperature would also witness sharp dip.
Giving station-wise details, an Independent Weather Forecaster Faizan Arif Keng, said that Doda, Udhampur, Kathua, Samba, and adjacent areas would likely receive heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next two days.
He said that Jammu, Kishtwar, Ramban, Reasi, and adjacent areas would likely receive moderate to heavy rainfall on July 08 and 09, adding that Srinagar, Pulwama, Anantnag Shopian and Ganderbal would likely receive heavy rainfall over the next two days.
Moderate rainfall, however, would likely lash other areas over the next two days, he said. “Based on past experiences, the interaction between these two weather systems can elevate the risk of cloudbursts, heavy showers, and flash floods. It is crucial for everyone to stay alert, regularly check weather updates, and exercise caution,” Keng said.
Meanwhile, several areas of J&K received fresh rainfall today, bringing down the mercury across the Union Territory. Notably, J&K has recorded normal precipitation from June 01, 2023 to July 05, 2023. As per a document, prepared by the Meteorological department, Srinagar, the summer capital of J&K, has recorded 27 per cent excess rainfall during the period as against the normal of 52.9 mm, the station has recorded 67.2mm rainfall.
Bandipora and Baramulla districts have however recorded a deficient rainfall of 23 per cent each, it said. As per the data, Pulwama is the only district across Kashmir where large excess rainfall has been recorded during the period, as against a normal of 38.3 mm, it has recorded 81.8mm rainfall during the same period, which is 114 per cent above than normal.
It added that Anantnag, Budgam, Ganderbal, Kulgam, and others have recorded normal rainfall during the same period.
Landslides triggered by heavy rains have resulted in the blockage of major roads in Jammu and Kashmir, including the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, Mughal Road, and Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari (SSG) Road, officials said today.
An official confirmed that these roads have been rendered impassable, urging people to avoid travel until the debris is cleared. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ramban, Mohita Sharma, said on Twitter: “Heavy rain along with landslide, mudslide and shooting stones in various stretches of Srinagar-Jammu National Highway at Ramban have closed the highway till clearance.”
SSP Sharma further appealed to the public to consult the Traffic Control Unit (TCU) for the latest highway status before planning any travel. “NH-44, Mughal road & SSG road r blocked due 2 landslides. People r advised not to travel till clearance,” said the J&K Traffic Police on Twitter.
