Srinagar, Aug 31: Jammu and Kashmir is likely to experience a spell of rain over the next 24 to 48 hours, with the Meteorological Department forecasting brief intense showers and gusty winds and warning of possible landslides, mudslides and flash floods in vulnerable areas.
Director of the Meteorological Department J&K, Mukhtar Ahmad, said weather conditions are expected to become somewhat unsettled from Monday late afternoon and evening, with the Jammu division likely to witness more significant rainfall.
“Especially today late afternoon and evening, there could be a spell of rain,” Ahmad said, adding that some areas may experience “light rain, with brief intense showers along with gusty winds.”
He said heavier spells are likely in the Jammu division from late Monday night into Tuesday morning and again between Tuesday late night and Wednesday early morning.
“Especially in Jammu, Kathua and adjoining areas,” heavier rainfall spells are likely, Ahmad said, adding that “in Poonch and Rajouri also, one or two spells of rain during the next 24 to 48 hours can be seen.”
Landslides, flash floods possible
The expected intense showers could trigger weather-related hazards in vulnerable areas.
“Landslide, mudslide and flash flood” are among the possibilities during the spell, Ahmad said, particularly in areas that receive intense rainfall.
Brief showers are also likely in other parts of Jammu and Kashmir, although the intensity may vary across different locations.
Weather likely to improve from September 2
According to Ahmad, weather conditions are expected to improve from September 2, with no major weather system currently likely to affect J&K until around September 10.
“From the second onwards, weather will again improve and approximately till September 10, currently there are no chances of any major event,” he said.
Despite the expected improvement, temperatures are likely to remain relatively high, with generally hot and humid conditions forecast across the region.
“The weather will generally remain hot and humid,” Ahmad said.
The rainfall, however, may provide temporary relief from the prevailing heat.
“Today and tomorrow the weather is likely to remain a little disturbed, especially in the Jammu division,” he said, adding that brief showers could lead to some reduction in temperatures.
Temperatures likely to dip after mid-September
On temperatures, Ahmad said the maximum temperature is currently hovering around 32-33°C.
“At present, the maximum temperature is almost 32-33,” he said, adding that a decline could be recorded following the expected rain spell.
A more noticeable change in temperatures is likely later in September, with both maximum and minimum temperatures expected to gradually fall.
“After mid-September, there will anyway be a significant change in temperature,” Ahmad said. “Especially after September 15, there are chances of temperatures gradually dipping.”
Farmers advised to continue activities with precautions
Meanwhile, Ahmad said farmers can continue their ongoing agricultural activities while taking necessary precautions for weather-sensitive operations.
“Farmers can continue their farming activities, whether harvesting or other activities, including safe storage, in the coming days as well,” he said.
