Rain storm turns day into night in Jammu
The Jammu and Kashmir received first major monsoon showers after parts of Jammu region witnessed lashing precipitation on Monday afternoon.
In the winter capital Jammu, life was thrown out of gear after thick clouds followed by rain storm at 1.50 PM reduced visibility to zero. The vehicles went off roads and traders downed their shutters to escape knee deep waterlogging. The sudden rainfall plunged Jammu city and its adjoining areas into complete darkness for around two hours. The vehicles turned on the headlights and fog lamps, signboards of business establishments and government offices were also visible like night view.
Following the rains, the maximum temperature in the winter capital fell to 36 degree Celsius, around three notches below the normal temperature, bringing respite to the people from scorching heat.
As per India Meteorological Department, Jammu city received highest 76.1 millimeter rain fall, while Banihal recorded lowest 1 mm rains. Similarly Katra recorded 36.4 mm rainfall, Bhaderwah -16.2 mm and Batote -25.2 mm.
Weather men also said that rains plunged the day temperature in the region several notches below normal.
The average temperature of Jammu is 38 degrees Celsius which after rains fell to around 36 degrees Celsius, two notches below the normal.
Similarly, against average temperature of 33 degrees Celsius, Bhaderwah recorded 28.1 degrees Celsius after rains.
Against 30 degrees Celsius normal, Banihal recorded 27.2 degrees Celsius while against 29 and 30 degrees Celsius normal, Batote and Katra recorded 27 and 33.3 Degrees Celsius, respectively.
The minimum temperature of Jammu remained in range between 15.4 to 29 degrees Celsius.
When contacted, Sonam Lotus, Director Metrological Department, said that today’s rains in Jammu signaled the arrival of major monsoon in Jammu and Kashmir. He said today monsoon particularly hit the foothills of Himalayan range, which included parts of Jammu region.
Lotus informed that this year monsoon hit Jammu and Kashmir on June 24, a week earlier than its average arrival. He said it may also last for 2-3 extra days.
However, the rains brought much needed respite to the people of Jammu from the sultry heat, which was prevailing here from last few days.
The heavy spell of rains lasted for one and a half hour and pleased the people with cool breeze.
