The Kashmir Valley is currently experiencing a severe heatwave, with Srinagar recording a scorching 35.6°C on Wednesday, marking the city hotter than Kolkata, which saw a maximum of 31°C.
This temperature spike in Srinagar is not only six degrees above the normal for this time of year but also marks the highest July temperature in 25 years. According to independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif, “Srinagar has recorded a maximum temperature of 35.6°C, the highest for July since 1999, when temperatures reached 37.°C on July 9. The all-time highest maximum temperature recorded was 38.3°C on July 10, 1946.”
Traditionally, July and August are known as the hottest months of summer in the region. The popular ski resort of Gulmarg also saw temperatures above normal, with a high of 25.7°C, 5.2 degrees higher than average. Similarly, Pahalgam recorded a temperature of 30.2°C, exceeding normal levels by 5.5 degrees.
In other parts of the region, Jammu reported a sweltering 36.6°C, while Leh in Ladakh recorded a maximum of 30.7°C.
Relief may be on the horizon as the Meteorological Department has forecasted rain from Thursday night onwards. “There is a possibility of rain or thundershowers at scattered places in the Jammu division late at night or early in the morning, and a spell of rain or thundershowers at a few places in the Kashmir division,” stated the Met office.
Sources By Agencies
