After several days of intense heat across Kashmir, the weather is set to turn wetter, with intermittent rainfall expected across Jammu and Kashmir over the coming days, Director of the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, Mukhtar Ahmad, said on Monday.
Ahmad said the rise in temperatures had been anticipated in the department's earlier forecasts.
"As already expected, from the 27th onwards there has been a likelihood of a rise in temperatures. For the past three to four days, intense heat has been prevailing, especially in the Kashmir Valley," he said.
According to Ahmad, heatwave conditions were recorded on Sunday at a few stations, particularly in Srinagar, Qazigund and Kukernag."Today as well, the heat is expected to persist until the afternoon. After that, there is a possibility of a brief spell of rain in some districts, which could provide some relief," he said.
The MeT Director said another spell of rainfall is likely late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning.
"Late tonight and around tomorrow morning, another spell of rainfall is likely, especially over the Jammu division, where intense showers may occur. Similarly, in the Kashmir Valley, some districts may experience light rain from time to time, with the possibility of a few intense showers," Ahmad said.
He said the wet spell is expected to continue for several days.
"As already forecast, a wet spell is expected in the coming days. From July 2 to July 6, intermittent showers are likely, particularly during the late-night and early-morning hours, as well as during the late afternoon and evening," he said.
Ahmad said the Jammu division is likely to receive the heaviest rainfall during this period.
"Heavy rainfall is likely, especially over the plains of Jammu and the adjoining hilly areas of the Pir Panjal range, including districts such as Reasi and Udhampur. Moderate to heavy rainfall is also expected in the Chenab Valley," he said.
The MeT Director said the expected rainfall would bring significant relief from the prevailing heatwave conditions.
"Overall, the ongoing spell of intense heat is likely to ease considerably over the coming days. The weather is expected to remain generally cloudy, although humidity levels are likely to increase," Ahmad said.
He noted that nights continue to remain unusually warm, with the minimum temperature hovering around 25°C in Central Kashmir, including Srinagar and adjoining areas."In the coming days, there should be some relief as maximum temperatures are expected to decline. The drop in minimum temperatures may not be as significant, but night-time conditions are also likely to become somewhat more comfortable," Ahmad added.
