Heatwave back in Kashmir amidst continuous dry spell, water scarcity

Srinagar, July 20: Kashmir is currently grappling with an intense heatwave, as most parts of the Valley record temperatures significantly above normal.

This scorching weather, coupled with a prolonged dry spell, has raised serious concerns about water scarcity and its impact on daily life.

The Meteorological Department said that the heat wave is expected to persist until at least July 26, with hot and humid conditions prevailing throughout J&K.

The maximum temperatures recorded in various parts of J&K paint a worrying picture.

TEMPERATURES

Srinagar recorded 34.4 degrees Celsius, 2.7 degrees Celsius above normal; Qazigund 33.4 degrees Celsius, 5.3 degrees Celsius above normal; Kupwara 34.6 degrees Celsius, 4 degrees Celsius above normal; Kokernag 33 degrees Celsius, 5.5 degrees Celsius above normal; Pahalgam 29.9 degrees Celsius; Anantnag 33.8 degrees Celsius; Pulwama 33.9 degrees Celsius; Kulgam 33 degrees Celsius; Shopian 34.3 degrees Celsius; Bandipora 33 degrees Celsius; Baramulla 33 degrees Celsius and Budgam 33.2 degrees Celsius.

In Jammu, Jammu City recorded 37.4 degrees Celsius, Katra 33.5 degrees Celsius, Banihal 32 degrees Celsius, Reasi 36.5 degrees Celsius, Samba 41.1 degrees Celsius, and Kathua 38.6 degrees Celsius.

Forecast and Weather Advisory

According to MeT, the weather is expected to remain mainly clear to partly cloudy, with brief spells of rain or thundershowers at isolated to scattered places in the Kashmir division and scattered to fairly widespread places in the Jammu division from July 20 to 26.

From July 27 to 31, the weather is predicted to be partly to generally cloudy, with intermittent spells of light to moderate rain or thundershowers in many places.

However, despite these forecasts, the overall dry spell is expected to continue, exacerbating water scarcity issues in the region.

The advisory from the MET has also warned of intense showers for brief periods, with the possibility of landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones over vulnerable areas in the Jammu division.

The continuous dry weather has led to a significant decrease in water levels across various water bodies in Kashmir.

This has had a profound impact on agriculture, drinking water supply, and overall daily life.

Farmers, who rely heavily on consistent rainfall for their crops, are facing immense challenges as irrigation sources dry up.

This could potentially lead to reduced agricultural yield, affecting the region’s food supply and economy.

In urban and rural areas alike, residents are experiencing severe water shortages.

The demand for drinking water has surged, while the supply remains inadequate, leading to longer waiting times and disputes over water distribution.

In some areas, people have resorted to using untreated water sources, raising concerns about waterborne diseases.