J&K braces for another spell of heavy rain as IMD warns of intense showers
Blazing Tales News Service
JAMMU, AUGUST 9: After the recent destruction amid incessant rain, Jammu and Kashmir is again bracing up for another spell of heavy rainfall, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of heavy showers at isolated places across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh from August 10 to 12.
The latest IMD All India Weather Summary and Forecast Bulletin issued on Sunday said fairly widespread to widespread rainfall is likely over Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan and Muzaffarabad from August 10 to 13. Isolated heavy rainfall is specifically forecast over the region during August 10-12.
The fresh warning comes at a time when several parts of Jammu and Kashmir are still vulnerable following episodes of intense monsoon rainfall that have caused waterlogging, flash-flood threats, landslides and disruption to normal life in different areas.
The weather department has also warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph at isolated places over Jammu and Kashmir and adjoining areas. The combination of heavy rain, saturated ground and steep terrain could increase the risk of landslides, mudslides and sudden rises in water levels in vulnerable locations.
Heavy rain threat continues through the week
According to the latest forecast, the wet spell is not expected to end immediately. After the heavy rainfall expected between August 10 and 12, isolated heavy rain is likely to continue over Jammu and Kashmir on August 13, 14 and 15.
The IMD has forecast heavy rain at isolated places over Jammu and Kashmir on August 12, 13, 14 and 15, indicating that the region could experience a prolonged period of unsettled weather.
The department has advised people in vulnerable areas to remain alert and follow official weather and local administration advisories, particularly while travelling through mountainous and landslide-prone stretches.
The latest bulletin also indicates that the Western Himalayan region as a whole will remain active, with widespread rainfall expected over Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand during the coming days.
Himachal Pradesh faces heavy to very heavy rainfall
Himachal Pradesh is also among the major areas facing a significant rainfall threat.
The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over Himachal Pradesh on August 10 and 11. Heavy rainfall is also likely at isolated places on August 9 and again from August 12 to 15.
The prolonged spell raises concerns over landslides, falling rocks, road blockages and disruption to transport, particularly in vulnerable hill districts and along major mountain roads.
The IMD has also warned of the possibility of very heavy rainfall at isolated places over Himachal Pradesh during August 10-11.
Uttarakhand under sustained rain alert
Uttarakhand is expected to remain under an extended period of wet weather as well.
The IMD has forecast fairly widespread to widespread rainfall over Uttarakhand from August 9 to 15. Heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places from August 11 to 15, while heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected at isolated places on August 9 and 10.
Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are also likely at isolated places across the state during the period.
The IMD’s flash-flood outlook has identified a low to moderate flash-flood risk over several Uttarakhand districts, including Almora, Bageshwar, Champawat, Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal, Tehri Garhwal, Haridwar, Nainital, Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag, Udham Singh Nagar and Uttarkashi.
Western Himalayan region remains vulnerable
The latest forecast paints a picture of an active monsoon spell across the Western Himalayan region, with Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand expected to receive widespread rainfall over the coming days.
For Jammu and Kashmir, the immediate concern is the heavy rainfall forecast from August 10 to 12, followed by additional spells of heavy rain later in the week.
With the ground already saturated in several areas following recent rainfall, authorities and residents in vulnerable locations are likely to remain particularly watchful for flash floods, landslides, mudslides, falling rocks and disruption of road connectivity.
Travellers have also been advised to exercise caution in hilly areas and check weather and road conditions before undertaking journeys, especially along vulnerable mountain routes.
The IMD said the forecast is subject to updates and advised people to follow official weather warnings and local administration advisories.
