J&K Heat Spikes, Flash-Flood Risk Looms

Jammu and Kashmir witnessed largely dry weather on Friday, with temperatures remaining above normal across several parts of the Union Territory, while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast mostly dry conditions over the next few days with a possibility of high-intensity showers and flash floods from August 31 to September 2.

Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 33.5 degrees Celsius, 4.2 degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 18.3 degrees Celsius, 1.6 degrees above normal. The city received no rainfall during the past 24 hours, according to IMD data accessed by the news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

Qazigund recorded a maximum of 32.6 degrees Celsius, 5.4 degrees above normal, while Pahalgam registered 27.3 degrees Celsius, 2.6 degrees above normal.

Kupwara recorded a high of 33.5 degrees Celsius, while Kokernag and Gulmarg recorded maximum temperatures of 31 degrees and 23.8 degrees Celsius, respectively.

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In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded 34.6 degrees Celsius, 1.6 degrees above normal. Katra recorded 32.5 degrees, while Banihal and Batote recorded 30.4 and 28.1 degrees Celsius, respectively.

The IMD has forecast mostly fine weather across Jammu and Kashmir on August 29 and 30, although isolated areas, particularly in the Jammu region, may receive thundershowers.

A shift in weather conditions is expected from August 31, when thundershowers may occur at some places across Jammu and Kashmir. However, the weather is likely to remain dry over most areas during August 31 to September 2, with no major wet spell expected.

The weather office, however, warned that high-intensity showers could occur at a few places during August 31 to September 2, creating a possibility of flash floods.

Mostly fine weather is expected on September 3 and 4, though isolated thundershowers may occur, particularly during the early morning and late afternoon hours. The IMD said the forecast for these dates remains uncertain and could change.

The weather conditions have also prompted changes in advisories for orchard activity in Kashmir.

The IMD has advised orchard spraying in parts of Kashmir on August 29 and during the morning hours of August 30. Spraying has been advised against from August 31 to September 2 due to the possibility of thundershowers.

The weather office has advised people, particularly those living in vulnerable areas, to remain alert to the possibility of flash floods during episodes of intense rainfall.

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