Heatwave persists in Kashmir

Srinagar July 31: The relentless heatwave continued to scorch Kashmir on Wednesday, with temperatures soaring unprecedented levels triggering water scarcity at several places in the Valley.

The highest temperature was recorded in Kupwara at 35.3 degrees Celsius followed closely by Srinagar at 35.1 degrees Celsius, Qazigund at 33 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam at 30.8 degrees Celsius, Kokernag at 32.3 degrees Celsius, Gulmarg at 24 degrees Celsius, and Jammu at 36.2 degrees Celsius.

Despite the searing heat, the Meteorological Department has ruled out any significant relief in the form of substantial rainfall in the immediate future.

The ongoing heatwave has exacerbated the drying of water bodies across Kashmir, leading to a water scarcity crisis.

In response to the dwindling water sources, the government has been providing potable water through tankers to various affected areas.

The drying of rivers, lakes, and springs, which are lifelines for both agriculture and daily living, has triggered alarm among the residents and officials alike.

The weather forecast for the coming days offers a glimmer of hope.

The Meteorological Department (MeT) said that the period from August 1 to 5 is expected to be generally cloudy with intermittent light to moderate rain and thundershowers in many parts of the Kashmir division and most parts of the Jammu division.

Further spells of rain and thundershowers are forecasted for scattered places between August 6 and 7, and isolated places from August 8 to 10.

The region waits in anticipation for the forecasted rain, hoping it would bring much-needed relief without further exacerbating the challenges.