Srinagar, Jun 10 (KNO): After days of hot and dry weather, Jammu and Kashmir is likely to witness a spell of rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds from Thursday, with the Meteorological Department warning that isolated intense showers could trigger flash floods and mudslides in vulnerable areas.
The Meteorological Centre Srinagar, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds is expected at many places across the Union Territory on June 11 and 12.
Wind speeds may reach 40-50 kmph and gust up to 60 kmph during the period, the department said, adding that isolated areas could also witness hailstorms.
"Partly to generally cloudy weather with one or two spells of light to moderate rain, brief intense showers, thunder and lightning is likely at many places during June 11-12," an official said.
The weather office has advised residents, farmers and travellers to remain cautious, particularly in areas prone to landslides and flash floods.
According to the forecast, weather conditions are expected to remain partly to generally cloudy from June 13 to 17, with scattered spells of light rain, brief showers, thunderstorms and gusty winds at several places.
The advisory warned that brief but intense showers at isolated locations in both Kashmir and Jammu divisions may lead to flash floods, mudslides and localized waterlogging between June 11 and June 14.
The forecast comes amid continued above-normal temperatures across most parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
According to data released by the Meteorological Department, Jammu recorded the highest maximum temperature in the Union Territory at 42.7 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, nearly four degrees above normal. Srinagar registered 32.3 degrees Celsius, while Qazigund recorded 32.8 degrees Celsius.
Kupwara recorded 29.2 degrees Celsius, Kokernag 30.5 degrees Celsius and Gulmarg 23.4 degrees Celsius.
Despite the prevailing heat, water levels in major rivers and tributaries remained well below danger marks, according to data released by the Irrigation and Flood Control Department.
The River Jhelum was flowing at 1.35 feet at Sangam, 2.96 feet at Munshibagh and 3.45 feet at Asham on Wednesday morning. Wular Lake stood at 1,575.43 metres.
Among major tributaries, Vishow Nallah at Khudwani was recorded at 2.35 metres, Lidder Nallah at Batkoot at 0.20 metres, Doodhganga at Barzulla at 0.40 metres and Sindh Nallah at Doderhama at 0.99 metres.
Officials said all rivers and streams were flowing within safe limits and there was no flood threat at present. However, they said the situation would continue to be monitored closely in view of the forecast rainfall activity over the coming days—(KNO)