Sonam Lotus, former Director of the J&K Meteorological Department, has warned that orographic effects will drive heavy rains and unstable weather across Jammu & Kashmir for at least a week.
He stated that moist air from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, when lifted over the Pir Panjal and Himalayan slopes, will cause intense localized rainfall, leading to flash floods, landslides, and road blockages.
The advisory covers July 19–23, 2026, with the Meteorological Department forecasting cloudburst-like events and torrential rains in Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Udhampur, and higher reaches of Kashmir.
Authorities have cautioned residents to avoid rivers, nallahs, and landslide-prone slopes, while farmers have been advised to delay spraying and fertilizer application until the wet spell subsides.
Traffic on vulnerable stretches of NH-44, NH-244, and Pir Panjal passes may face disruptions, and pilgrimages including the Amarnath Yatra remain suspended until conditions improve.
