Rains lash J&K parts; MeT forecasts wet spell till Jun 22

Srinagar, Jun 16: Several parts of Jammu and Kashmir witnessed rain and thundershowers on Tuesday afternoon as the Meteorological Centre Srinagar issued a nowcast warning for brief intense showers, thunderstorms, lightning, hailstorms and gusty winds across multiple districts.
According to the MeT department, a spell of rain and thundershowers affected Baramulla, Uri, Gulmarg and adjoining areas, besides many parts of Budgam, Poonch and Rajouri districts during the day.
Rainfall activity was also reported from Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag districts in south Kashmir, while parts of Ganderbal, including the Sonamarg-Baltal-Holy Cave axis, and the Pahalgam-Holy Cave route received showers accompanied by thunder and lightning.
In the Jammu region, parts of Ramban, Kishtwar, Reasi, Kathua and Jammu districts experienced rain and thunderstorm activity, the weather office said.
The MeT department said that some areas were likely to witness brief intense showers, lightning, hailstorms and gusty winds during the afternoon and evening hours. It advised people to remain indoors during thunderstorms and avoid taking shelter near electric poles, wires, old trees and other vulnerable structures.
Authorities also advised suspension of boating and Shikara operations on water bodies, including Dal Lake, during periods of thunderstorm activity due to the possibility of strong winds and sudden weather changes.
The weather office warned that hailstorms accompanied by intense showers were possible at a few places in Uri, Baramulla, Gulmarg and adjoining areas, as well as parts of Budgam, Poonch and Rajouri districts.
Meanwhile, the MeT department has forecast unsettled weather conditions across Jammu and Kashmir over the coming days.
For June 17, it predicted partly to generally cloudy weather with light rain, brief intense showers, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds at scattered places across the Union Territory.
From June 18 to June 22, the department said generally cloudy conditions are expected with one or two spells of light rain, brief intense showers, thunderstorms, hailstorms, lightning and gusty winds at many places.
The forecast indicates that weather activity may continue, though with reduced intensity, between June 23 and June 25. During this period, the region is likely to witness partly to generally cloudy skies with light rain, brief showers, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds at a few places.
The MeT department has urged residents, tourists, pilgrims and transport operators to remain updated about weather advisories and take necessary precautions, particularly in vulnerable areas prone to flash floods, landslides and shooting stones.
Officials said brief, intense showers at isolated places could trigger flash floods and mudslides, especially in hilly and mountainous regions.
The advisory assumes significance as thousands of tourists continue to visit Kashmir and preparations are underway for the annual Amarnath Yatra, with weather conditions expected to remain changeable over the next several days. (KNO)