Lagatar24 Desk
Srinagar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall warning for parts of Jammu and Kashmir, placing several districts under orange and yellow alerts. After Saturday’s fresh snowfall in higher reaches, the region is set to witness significant weather activity over the next few days.
Orange alert for seven districts
The IMD has sounded an orange alert—indicating the possibility of heavy rainfall—for Muzaffarabad, Bandipora, Rajouri, Reasi, Ramban, Anantnag, and Kishtwar. The alert advises residents and authorities to remain cautious as intense showers could lead to landslides and flash floods in hilly areas.
Srinagar and other regions on yellow alert
A yellow alert—predicting moderate rainfall—has been issued for Kupwara, Ganderbal, Srinagar, Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, Poonch, Mirpur, Jammu, Udhampur, Samba, Kathua, and Doda. Srinagar is expected to receive moderate showers, with a maximum temperature of 30°C and a minimum of 14°C, according to the IMD forecast.
Fresh snowfall and temperature dip
Snowfall was recorded in higher altitude areas such as Tulail, Razdan Top (Gurez Valley), Peer Ki Gali (Shopian), and Zojila Pass, which led to a noticeable drop in temperatures. The maximum temperature on Friday was 3–5°C below normal, and the minimum dropped by up to 3°C.
Potential risks: landslides, lightning, cloudbursts
Independent weather tracker Faizan Arif warned of the risk of landslides, shooting stones, and lightning strikes. He noted that cloudbursts are possible, especially in mountainous terrain, and advised caution for travellers on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway.
Rescue operation at Sinthan Top
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Police rescued eight passengers and a driver stranded at Sinthan Top in South Kashmir. The rescue was conducted following a distress call after fresh snowfall cut off the road. The operation was carried out under challenging conditions and has been widely appreciated.
Forecast ahead
-
June 2: Brief light rain or thundershowers at isolated locations.
-
June 4–6: Generally dry with chances of light showers in some areas during late afternoon.
-
June 7–8: Scattered spells of rain and thundershowers likely, mainly in the afternoon hours.
