(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- A spell of heavy rainfall swept across Srinagar and several other parts of Kashmir on Monday, ending a prolonged and punishing heatwave that saw the Valley record its hottest July day in over 70 years just two days ago.

The downpour began late Monday afternoon, with Srinagar witnessing a sharp temperature drop from 34.3°C at 3:30 PM to 20°C by 7:30 PM, offering immediate respite to residents who had been reeling under intense heat and humidity.

According to the Meteorological Department, moderate to heavy showers were reported from most districts, especially in the northern parts of the Valley. Srinagar received torrential rainfall, while southern areas, including Anantnag and Shopian, were expected to receive showers till midnight.

The shift in weather comes just two days after Srinagar touched 37.4°C - the highest July temperature recorded in the city since 1953. Similar record-breaking highs were reported from other districts as well.

Independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif had earlier in the day warned of possible thunderstorms, brief heavy downpours, and flash floods.“There is a possibility of thunderstorms in many parts of Jammu and Kashmir during the next six hours. Flash floods can't be ruled out in some areas,” he said.

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The MeT Department has forecast generally cloudy conditions with intermittent light to moderate rain and thundershowers over the next 48 hours. It has also issued an advisory for flash floods, landslides, and waterlogging in low-lying areas across the Union Territory.

Heavy Rains, Hailstorm Disrupt Life

Intense rainfall and hailstorm on Monday evening brought parts of Srinagar and several other areas in the Kashmir Valley to a standstill, disrupting normal life, damaging property, and triggering traffic chaos.
According to reports, Srinagar localities including Natipora, Chanpora, Rambagh, Jehangir Chowk, Lal Chowk, and Sarmoli, including parts of Baramulla's Sopore and other parts of valley witnessed heavy rainfall around 5:00 PM, accompanied by hailstorm in places like Magam and surrounding areas. Videos circulating on social media showed roads blanketed in white as hail pelted the region with force.
In one incident, a tree uprooted between Batwara and Pandrethan fell on an e-rickshaw (Reg. No. JK01AV-1587), causing damage to the vehicle and triggering a massive traffic jam along both sides of the road. Police and local authorities were seen trying to clear the obstruction.
Elsewhere, Sopore also reported heavy rainfall, leading to waterlogging in several low-lying areas and raising concerns over drainage preparedness.
Meanwhile, the long dry spell in Drass and Kargil came to an end, with moderate rainfall reported on Sunday, bringing much-needed relief to the region.
According to Kashmir Weather, cloud clusters developed over several parts of Jammu and Kashmir between 2:00 PM and 4:45 PM. The forecast predicts more thundershowers and brief heavy spells over the next six hours.
“There is also a risk of flash floods in some vulnerable spots due to localized intense downpours,” the update warned.

Disruption Across City

While the rainfall brought much-needed relief, it also disrupted normal life in parts of the Valley. Gusty winds that preceded the showers uprooted trees in several areas including Batwara and Khanyar. A tree fell on an e-rickshaw near Pandrethan, briefly blocking the main road.

In parts of Downtown Srinagar, water entered homes and shops, with Khanqah-e-Moula among the worst affected. Residents waded through knee-deep water as drainage systems overflowed.

Traffic snarls were reported across the city, and power supply was snapped in several localities due to uprooted poles and tripped lines. Authorities said restoration efforts were underway but warned that continued rainfall could delay repairs.

Despite the disruption, many residents welcomed the rain as a“blessing,” bringing much-needed relief from the searing heat that had gripped the Valley for over a week.

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