MeT also issued an advisory cautioning against possible landslides at vulnerable locations in Jammu and Kashmir
Monsoon has arrived in Jammu and Kashmir bringing moderate rains over Jammu division and bringing down the temperatures. The meteorological (MeT) centre in Srinagar said light to moderate rains and thundershowers were recorded at many places of Jammu division.
“Finally, south west monsoon rainfall commenced this morning over Jammu division bringing relief from on-going heat wave and hot weather,” MeT’s local centre director Mukhtar Ahmad said.
The MeT said Udhampur received 30.5 mm rain, Kathua 35 mm and Katra 28.1 mm. “There are chances of gradual rise in rainfall intensity from July 2 onwards,” Ahmad said.
The MeT, in an update, said conditions are likely to become favourable for further advance of southwest monsoon into remaining parts of Jammu-Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan and Muzaffarabad in next two to three days.
It forecasted light to moderate rain and thundershowers at many places of Jammu division towards late night and early mornings till June 30. “Light rain at a few places of Kashmir division is also expected,” the update said.
From July 2, there will be gradual rise in rainfall intensity with possibility of intermittent light to moderate rainfall at many places. “Heavy showers at a few places for a brief period cannot be ruled out,” it said.
Faizan Arif, an independent weather spotter, said the monsoon rains would also bring down temperatures in Kashmir, which may delay the summer break in Valley’s schools. “Probably, Kashmir will also witness rain showers, and temperatures will come down particularly during the first week of July. The current weather forecast doesn’t indicate any need for it (summer break) till 10th July,” he said on his handle Kashmir_Weather on ‘X’.
The MeT issued an advisory cautioning against landslides and mudslides at few vulnerable places. “Few places may experience moderate thunderstorms and lightning as well,” the MeT said.
Jammu and Kashmir particularly Kashmir gets 70% of its precipitation owing to western disturbances – moisture laden winds from Mediterranean – while the rest is brought about by monsoon rains.
In 2022, Jammu and Kashmir had received much needed normal rainfall in monsoon after two years. The average rainfall annually is usually between 700-750 mm.
