Jammu, Jul 31: Moderate to heavy rains, in consonance with the met forecast, lashed parts of Jammu division on Friday and as per weatherman’s prediction, a similar pattern of weather activity was likely to continue till August 4.
“Most of the parts of Jammu division are likely to experience light to moderate rains during the next three-four days while some isolated places like Batote, Doda, some other parts of Chenab valley, Katra and higher reaches of Reasi may witness intense, heavy rainfall,” stated Dr Mahender Singh, Chief Scientist and In-charge Agrometeorology, SKUAST-Jammu.
He pointed out that the heavy to normal rainfall in the month of July had ended the deficit spell in Jammu division with many of its districts recording surplus precipitation.
“In terms of monsoon, June witnessed rain deficit. But July month has been very good across the Jammu division. Spells of heavy showers during the past two weeks or so have erased the rainfall deficit across the division and put the majority of districts particularly Jammu, Reasi, Udhampur, Rajouri, Poonch, Ramban in excess precipitation category. Exceptions are Samba and Kathua districts, which are almost in normal category,” said Dr Singh shared.
As per India Meteorological Department (IMD), Udhampur recorded 32 mm of rainfall during the past 24 hours followed by Jammu with 27.1 mm of rainfall; Katra 7.8 mm; Kathua 6.8 mm; Bhaderwah 2.3 mm; Jammu airport 0.6 mm; Banihal 0.5 mm and Batote 0.3 mm of rainfall. Parts of Rajouri, Poonch too received moderate to heavy rainfall briefly.
The Met department has predicted that in the next three to four days, the maximum temperature in Jammu will swing between 33 to 35 degrees Celsius, followed by hot and humid weather conditions.
The divisional administration, however, continues to be in alert mode in the wake of forecast of heavy rains and consequent high chances of cloudburst-induced flash floods, mud and landslides in isolated upper catchment areas.
The weatherman has predicted fresh spells of late night and early morning heavy showers in Rajouri, Poonch, Chenab valley sub region, Jammu, Reasi and Udhampur.
The met department’s caution that although prolonged rainfall is not expected, there remains a very high risk of flash floods due to intense localised downpours and isolated cloudburst events cannot be ruled out, with the possibility of landslides and shooting stones in vulnerable hilly areas – also remains in place.
