Srinagar, Apr 28: Rains again lashed Kashmir valley on Wednesday due to western disturbances, which are likely to cause more downpours in the coming days.
Kashmir valley received about 14.7 mm rainfall in the past 33 hours while the Met office has forecasted more rains during the next three days.
“The Valley is under the influence of western disturbances which are expected to stay around for the next three days. So rains are likely at many places across the valley in the next 72 hours,” director meteorological department Kashmir, Sonum Lotus, told Greater Kashmir.
Kashmir has been witnessing incessant rains for the past almost a week. Last week it had rained for about four days at a stretch resulting in a flood like situation. The water level in all major rivers had risen to a level just below the danger mark.  However, sunny days in between have normalized the situation.
 Heavy rains had also killed five nomads in upper reaches of Kulgam in South Kashmir.
 Western disturbances have also resulted in a sharp decline in the temperature. The maximum temperature recorded during the day was 14.2 degrees Celsius, which is seven degrees below normal of 21 degrees Celsius at this time of the year.
 However, the minimum temperature recorded in the morning, 10.2 degrees Celsius, was one degree above normal.
 “The sharp dip in temperature is also due to the western disturbances. The weather will remain cooler in the coming days,” scientific assistant at Meteorological Department, Y P Sharma, said.
 The locals, however, see a change in the Valley’s climate. “Last year we witnessed unusually sharp variations in temperature in summer months. This year again we have had a snow-less and a dry winter and now these heavy rains. It seems the climate is changing and we may face drier spells ahead,” said 45-year-old Hameed Ahmad.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 28 Apr 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:00:00 IST