Srinagar simmers at 34°C, MeT predicts wet spell from today

Srinagar, Jul 4: Hot and humid weather continued across Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, with most places recording temperatures above normal, while the Meteorological Department predicted widespread precipitation from July 5.
According to the data, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 34.0 degrees Celsius, which was 4.4 degrees above normal, while the minimum settled at 20.0 degrees Celsius, 2.7 degrees above normal.
Qazigund recorded a high of 32.8°C and a low of 18.2°C, both 5.3°C and 2.5°C above normal, respectively. Pahalgam, the tourist resort, registered 26.9°C as the maximum and 14.5°C as the minimum, while Kupwara recorded 33.5°C and 18.9°C.
Kokernag recorded 30.9°C, Gulmarg 24.4°C, Banihal 31.2°C, Batote 28.2°C, Katra 34.0°C, Bhaderwah 31.4°C, and Jammu city 37.6°C, remaining 1.6°C above normal. The minimum temperature in Jammu settled at 25.9°C, marginally 0.1°C below normal.
No rainfall was recorded at most stations during the day, though Kokernag, Gulmarg, Banihal, Batote and Katra received light rainfall during the previous 24 hours.
The MeT Department said weather conditions are expected to change from July 5, with rainfall activity likely to increase across the Union Territory.
In Jammu division, fairly widespread rainfall is likely from July 5 to 6, followed by widespread showers on July 7 and 8, and fairly widespread rainfall again on July 9 and 10.
The department has issued a weather advisory for Jammu division, warning of isolated thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph on July 5, 6, 9 and 10. It has also forecast isolated heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds from July 6 to 8.
The MeT Department warned that the expected weather activity could trigger landslides, mudslides, shooting stones and flash floods at vulnerable places during the period.
For Kashmir division, isolated thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph are expected on July 7 and 8, it said.
The department advised residents, tourists and commuters to follow official weather updates and exercise caution, particularly while travelling through hilly and vulnerable areas during the forecast period. (KNO)