The Meteorological Department (MeT) on Monday said Jammu and Kashmir is likely to witness widespread rainfall over the next week, with an increased risk of flash floods, landslides, mudslides and cloudburst-like incidents, while assuring that the annual Amarnath Yatra is continuing smoothly.MeT Director Mukhtar Ahmad said the weather over the past several days had remained hot and humid before widespread rainfall lashed parts of the Union Territory on Monday morning.
"The weather has remained hot and humid over the past several days. As expected, today the Jammu division, particularly during the early morning hours, witnessed a heavy spell of rainfall. Heavy rains were recorded across the Pir Panjal region, Chenab Valley, and the adjoining plains of Jammu," Ahmad said.
He said weather activity was also reported from South Kashmir and adjoining areas, with cloudy conditions persisting across the region."The sky remains cloudy at present, and there are chances of fresh spells of rain around the afternoon and late afternoon. This is especially likely over South Kashmir and adjoining areas, including the Amarnath Yatra axis, where light rainfall is possible. Rain is also expected in the Chenab Valley and adjoining parts of Jammu," he said.
The MeT Director said a similar weather pattern is expected over the next few days.
"Tomorrow, particularly during the early morning hours, there are chances of heavy rainfall in the Jammu division, especially across the Pir Panjal region, Chenab Valley, and some plains of Jammu. Rain is also expected in the Kashmir Valley, with light showers at many places, moderate rainfall at a few locations, and brief intense heavy showers in isolated areas. Such activity is likely to continue around July 7 and 8," Ahmad said.
He added that the southwest monsoon is expected to become active again from July 9.
"From July 9 onwards, the monsoon is expected to become active once again. There is a possibility of heavy showers in parts of the Jammu division, along with rainfall over South Kashmir and adjoining areas," he said.
Issuing a public advisory, Ahmad warned that the prolonged wet spell could trigger weather-related hazards.
"Overall, rain is likely to continue for the next week. During this period, there will be a heightened risk of flash floods, cloudbursts or cloudburst-like incidents, landslides, and mudslides," he said.
He urged people to remain vigilant, saying, "Travellers, tourists, transporters, the general public, as well as trekkers and people planning picnics, are advised to exercise caution."
On the ongoing annual Amarnath Yatra, Ahmad said the department has been providing regular weather updates and advisories to facilitate the pilgrimage.
"We have been issuing weather forecasts for more than a week. Whenever rainfall is expected, we release nowcasts and sector-wise short-range forecasts along with advisories and warnings. So far, there has been no extremely heavy rainfall. Most places have received light rain, while some areas have experienced moderate rainfall. At present, the Amarnath Yatra is continuing smoothly," he said.