At 35.7°C, Srinagar hotter than Jammu

Srinagar, July 27: The ongoing heatwave continues to grip Kashmir with Srinagar registering temperatures higher than Jammu on Saturday.

The mercury soared to 35.7 degrees Celsius in Srinagar, surpassing Jammu’s temperature of 35.1 degrees Celsius.

This marks the third instance this month when Srinagar recorded such a high temperature, with the previous occurrence on July 4.

The intense heatwave has impacted most areas of Kashmir. According to the Meteorological Department, temperatures in Qazigund reached 32.6 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam recorded 30.1 degrees Celsius, Kokernag hit 32.2 degrees Celsius, and Gulmarg, known for its cooler climate, saw a high of 25.4 degrees Celsius.

The unrelenting heatwave has raised concerns among residents and authorities alike.

The soaring temperatures have affected daily life across J&K.

In Srinagar, residents have been grappling with the heat, with many seeking refuge indoors during peak hours.

The heatwave has also strained the city’s infrastructure, with increased demand for electricity leading to power cuts in some areas.

Local businesses, particularly those dependent on outdoor activities, have reported a decline in customers.

“The heat is unbearable, and people are hesitant to step out,” said Ahmad Khan, a shop owner in Srinagar's bustling Lal Chowk area. “Our sales have dropped significantly over the past few days.”

Kashmir, renowned for its tranquil lakes and streams, is grappling with a severe crisis due to an intense heatwave.

The unrelenting heat, coupled with a lack of rainfall, has left the entire Valley in distress.

The River Jhelum, a vital lifeline for the Valley, is at alarmingly low levels.

Houseboats that typically float serenely on its waters are now grounded, with large portions of the river and other water bodies nearly dry.

This situation has caused significant distress among houseboat owners and operators, who rely on these waters for their livelihood.

The unprecedented heatwave has impacted various sectors across Kashmir.

Agriculture and horticulture have been hit hard, with crops and orchards suffering from the extreme temperatures and lack of water.

Education has not been spared either, with schools struggling to maintain a conducive learning environment in the sweltering conditions.

However, the weatherman has predicted a significant fall in the temperature from July 29 onward.

Director Meteorological Department, Mukhtar Ahmad said that a brief spell of rain and thunderstorms are expected at isolated places in the Kashmir division and light to moderate rain and thunderstorms at many places in the Jammu division.

From July 29 to 31, generally, cloudy weather with intermittent spells of light to moderate rain and thunderstorms is expected at scattered to fairly widespread places in the Kashmir division and widespread places in the Jammu division.

He said that from August 1 to August 4, the weather would remain generally cloudy with spells of intermittent light to moderate rain and thunderstorms at many places in the Kashmir division and most places of the Jammu division.