The Meteorological Department on Monday said the Kashmir Valley will continue to sizzle under intense heat for the next two days, even as it issued an alert over the southwest monsoon advancing into Jammu and Kashmir from July 1, with the Jammu region likely to witness heavy downpours that could trigger flash floods and landslides.
Director of MeT, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, said, “We are expecting the mercury to touch 38 degrees Celsius today. The heat will continue for the next 48 hours, with temperatures hovering around 33.5 to 34 degrees tomorrow.”
The MeT chief said the monsoon is set to make its onset in the Union Territory within 72 hours, with the first spell beginning July 1. “Around July 2–3, we are expecting heavy to very heavy rainfall, especially in the Jammu region. Some districts may witness extremely intense showers in a very short duration, which could trigger flash floods, landslides, and mudslides,” he said.
Dr. Mukhtar also cautioned about waterlogging in low-lying areas and advised residents to remain alert. He said the monsoon has already covered parts of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and is likely to progress further into Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and also enter J&K in the next few days.
On the prevailing heatwave conditions, the MeT director said the valley would continue to experience dry and warm weather, with only isolated afternoon activity expected. “There is no major weather system active for the next 40 hours. It will remain on the hotter side,” he added.
In an advisory to farmers, Dr. Mukhtar suggested that field preparation and transplantation work could continue, but advised against irrigation from July 1 onwards. “Farmers can carry out spraying operations only during the morning and evening hours,” he said, urging people to stay updated with official weather bulletins.
