Heatwave continues in Kashmir

Srinagar, Jun 30: Kashmir sweltered under continuing heatwave conditions on Tuesday with Srinagar recording the season’s second-highest maximum temperature at 35.2 degrees Celsius, even as the Meteorological Department forecast relief from Wednesday with the arrival of monsoon winds and the influence of a western disturbance.
Officials at the Meteorological Centre here said that the Valley will witness a gradual change in weather over the next few days, with rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds expected across several parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
The weather office said heatwave or heatwave-like conditions are likely to persist till Tuesday before temperatures begin to ease from Wednesday.
According to the department, spells of rain and thundershowers are expected at many places in Poonch, Rajouri, Shopian, Budgam and Kulgam, while isolated rainfall is also likely along the Reasi-Banihal-Ramban axis and in Gulmarg, Uri and Sonamarg.
It said a few places in Poonch, Rajouri, Budgam, Shopian, Kulgam and adjoining areas could witness brief but intense showers accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds over the next couple of hours.
The MeT office has forecast one or two spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers at many places across Jammu and Kashmir from July 1 to July 5. It said isolated areas may experience heavy rainfall, intense showers, thunderstorms and strong winds between July 2 and July 4.
From July 6 to July 8, the weather is expected to remain generally hot and humid, although scattered to many places are likely to receive brief spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers, it said.
Officials said monsoon winds are expected to enter Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, increasing the likelihood of early morning and evening showers over the Jammu division and parts of the Kashmir Valley.
They said the combined influence of the western disturbance and advancing monsoon is expected to provide significant relief from the prevailing heatwave, particularly between Thursday and Saturday, when rainfall activity is likely to be at its peak.
The department said the impact of the weather system is expected to be more pronounced over the Jammu division and south Kashmir, while central and north Kashmir may receive comparatively lesser rainfall.
It warned that heavy rainfall during July 2-4 could trigger flash floods, landslides and mudslides at vulnerable places, particularly in parts of the Jammu division and adjoining areas of south Kashmir. Temporary waterlogging is also likely in low-lying areas on July 2 and 3, it said.
The weather office advised people to stay away from nallahs, streams and landslide-prone areas during periods of intense rainfall, avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during thunderstorms, and take precautions against lightning and strong winds.
It also said isolated hailstorm activity and intense showers cannot be ruled out during the most active phase of the weather system, though widespread continuous rainfall is not expected. (KNO)