Owais Gul
Srinagar, Jun 25: The ongoing hot and dry spell in Jammu and Kashmir has resulted in a large deficit of rainfall in multiple stations across the region during the ongoing monsoon season. However, heavy rains and thunderstorms forecasted for the next 48 hours could play a crucial role in reducing this precipitation deficiency, especially in Srinagar, the summer capital, and other areas.
According to data, Srinagar recorded the hottest night in June at 25.0°C. The persistent dry spell has caused temperatures to rise both during the day and at night across the region.
The data shows that Srinagar and other parts of the valley, including Budgam, Bandipora, Kishtwar and Kulgam, have experienced rainfall deficits ranging from 60% to 99%. Some stations, such as Anantnag, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Kupwara and Shopian, have recorded rainfall deficits between 20% and 59%. Pulwama is the only station with near-normal precipitation, receiving 26.9 mm against a normal of 30.8 mm.
Independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif Keng said there will be some relief from the heatwave starting tomorrow (Thursday), lasting for the next three to four days. “Monsoon showers expected in the coming days will bring down maximum temperatures slightly, leading to some improvement in heatwave conditions,” he said. He added that these showers are expected to reduce the rainfall deficiency, particularly in Jammu, where heavy rains are forecasted in the next 24 to 48 hours.
Temperatures across various locations on Wednesday ranged as follows: Srinagar at 32.5°C, Qazigund at 30.2°C, Pahalgam at 27.4°C, Kokernag at 30.8°C, Kupwara at 32.8°C, and Gulmarg at 23.2°C. Jammu city recorded 32.6°C, while Banihal was at 27.7°C. Batote, Bhaderwah, and Katra experienced maximum temperatures of 26.2°C, 30.6°C, and 29.0°C, respectively.
Some parts of Kashmir, including areas in Srinagar, received monsoon showers in the morning.
The weatherman here has forecast heavy rainfall in Jammu over the next 24 to 48 hours, with Kashmir Valley also expected to receive monsoon showers during the next two days.
