Heatwave sweeps J&K

Srinagar, July 26: A relentless heatwave continued to grip both Kashmir and Jammu regions with the main cities of the two regions – Srinagar and Jammu city recording identical maximum temperatures of 35.2 degrees Celsius on Friday.

This marks an unusual weather pattern, as both cities typically experience distinct climatic conditions. The Meteorological Department (MeT) has forecast thunderstorms at isolated places in Kashmir over the next 24 hours.

The maximum temperature recorded on Friday in Srinagar was 35.2 degrees Celsius, Qazigund 32.2 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam 29.9 degrees Celsius, Kupwara 34.7 degrees Celsius, Kokernag 33.1 degrees Celsius, Gulmarg 25.7 degrees Celsius, and Jammu 35.2 degrees Celsius.

From July 26 to 27, brief spells of rain or thundershowers are expected at isolated places in the Kashmir division while light to moderate rain or thundershowers are predicted at scattered locations in the Jammu division.

From July 28 to 31, generally, cloudy skies with intermittent spells of light to moderate rain or thundershowers are expected at scattered to fairly widespread places in the Kashmir division while widespread light to moderate rain or thundershowers are anticipated in the Jammu division.

From August 1 to 4, weather is likely to be generally cloudy with spells of intermittent light to moderate rain or thundershowers at many locations in the Kashmir division while most areas in the Jammu division would experience light to moderate rain or thundershowers.

There is a possibility of intense showers for brief periods, leading to potential landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones over vulnerable places.

Some areas of the Jammu Division might experience heavy rainfall.

A significant drop in daytime temperatures is expected from July 29 onwards.

The unusually high temperatures have affected life in Kashmir where residents often experience relatively moderate temperatures and pleasant weather.

The School Education Department (SED) in Kashmir has changed the daily school timings to start from 8 am till 1 pm.

The day temperatures were equally hot in other parts of Kashmir including Kupwara in north Kashmir and Qazigund in south Kashmir.