Incessant rains bring relief
Srinagar, July 16: A fresh spell of intermittent rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir has sharply reduced Kashmir’s rainfall deficit to 28%, down from 50% at the end of June, officials said Wednesday.
The precipitation has brought relief to people, especially farmers and orchardists, while also cooling temperatures that had remained above normal for weeks. The widespread rains over the last several days have revived parched farmlands and water bodies in the valley.
Meanwhile, the Jammu region has received above-average monsoon rainfall, recording a seasonal surplus of 2%.
Ladakh, however, continues to face a significant shortfall—especially in Leh—though Kargil and other nearby areas have reported normal precipitation.
“With more intermittent showers likely through July 23, we anticipate further improvement in Kashmir’s rainfall figures,” said Mukhtar Ahmad, director of the Meteorological Department for Jammu and Kashmir.
“Jammu is also expected to receive additional rainfall, taking it well above normal levels.”
Climatologist and Director of the Meteorological Department in Ladakh, Sonam Lotus, attributed the rains to moisture incursions from the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, calling the pattern seasonally typical.
He ruled out any immediate threat of flooding. “The water levels in rivers and streams remain within safe limits,” he said.
Independent weather observer Faizan Arif said that Jammu and Kashmir, overall, has received near-normal rainfall from June to mid-July, with the majority of the contribution coming from Jammu. “The low-pressure system has shifted toward J&K more than models initially predicted, intensifying rainfall in both regions,” he said.
The rains that lashed Kashmir over the past few days have also ended a prolonged spell of hot, humid weather. Maximum temperatures fell well below normal across most regions:
The MET department has issued a weather advisory for the Union Territory, forecasting heavy rainfall, flash floods, and an increased risk of landslides at isolated locations between July 16–17 and again from July 21–23.
“Isolated areas could see intense rainfall, potentially triggering flash floods and landslides, especially along mountainous roads and vulnerable zones,” said Ahmad.
Scattered to fairly widespread rainfall is also expected between July 18–20. Residents in flood- and landslide-prone areas have been advised to remain alert, limit non-essential travel, and follow official advisories—particularly on highways and hilly terrain, where shooting stones and mudslides may occur.
