Day 2: Rains lash JK

Srinagar, Jul 13: Jammu and Kashmir continued to have respite from the scorching heat on Tuesday as the mercury remained below normal in most places amid more rains.
According to the India Meteorological Department, the respite is likely to continue as rain or cloudy weather is likely to persist for the next few days.
For next 24 hours, “widespread light rain or thundershowers over Kashmir Valley and scattered light rain or thundershowers over Jammu division”, have been forecast while isolated showers are predicted till July 17.
A meteorological department official here told GNS that Srinagar received 1.3mm of rain from 0830 hours to 1730 hours. The summer capital of J&K, he said, recorded maximum temperature of 24.4 degrees Celsius which was 5.2 degrees Celsius below the normal for the season and almost ten degree Celsius than few days ago.
Jammu, the winter capital of J&K, received 10.9mm of rain in 24 hours till 0830 hours today and recorded maximum of 35.5 degrees Celsius against normal of 34.8 degrees Celsius, he said. it was the only place having temperature above normal, although slightly.
Qazigund, the gate town of Kashmir, recorded 26.6 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam 23.6 degrees Celsius while Kokernag witnessed 25.7 degrees Celsius, the official said.
The border town Kupwara recorded maximum temperature of 28.1 degrees Celsius, he said.
World famous skiing and tourist resort Gulmarg in north Kashmir was the coldest place in Valley, recording maximum of 15.2 degrees Celsius against the normal of 20.8 degree Celsius for this time of the season for the place, the official added.
For next two days, the weatherman has also issued ‘yellow warning for “isolated thunderstorm/lightning” for both Jammu and Kashmir divisions. There are four types of colour codes signifying the level of caution: green which means no action, yellow—situation to be watched), amber –government agencies need to be prepared for severe weather and red –action needed by the agencies.
Meanwhile, there shall be no vehicular movement from either side on Jammu-Srinagar highway between Nashree and Jawahar Tunnel in view of maintenance and repairing of the road, the authorities said.
However, subject to fair weather and good road condition, LMVs from both sides and HMVs (upto ten tyres) from Srinagar towards Poonch shall be allowed on Mughal road on July 14.
Regarding Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari road, the officials said that subject to fair weather and good road condition, only one-way traffic from Kargil towards Srinagar shall be allowed from Minamarg at 0700 hours upto 1400 hours. “No Vehicle shall be allowed before and after cut off timing,” the official added. (GNS)