Kashmir’s cool image melts in relentless heatwave

Srinagar, Jun 30: A persistent and intensifying heatwave continues to grip Kashmir, pushing temperatures well above seasonal norms and leaving the people sweltering with little immediate relief expected.

According to the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, Monday saw unusually high maximum temperatures across several key locations in Kashmir.

Srinagar recorded a scorching 34.5 degrees Celsius, nearly 5 degrees Celsius above the normal temperature.

Qazigund wasnít far behind at 33.6 degrees Celsius, registering an alarming 6.1 degrees Celsius above the seasonal average.

Pahalgam, typically known for its cooler climate, reached a temperature of 30.2 degrees Celsius, which is 5.5 degrees Celsius above the normal average.

Kupwara at 34.2 degrees Celsius, Kokernag at 33.6 degrees Celsius, and Gulmarg at 25 degrees Celsius also reported significantly above-normal temperatures.

This ongoing heatwave has raised concerns, especially given the absence of significant precipitation in the immediate forecast.

The Meteorological Department predicted only brief spells of rain or thundershowers at scattered locations for the next several days, offering minimal respite from the oppressive conditions.

However, the agricultural sector has been given the green light to continue operations, as the advisory issued by the MET Centre notes no immediate threat to crops.

ìFarmers are advised to continue farm operations,î the advisory reads.

While June ended on a dry and hot note, there is hope for some relief in the first week of July.

The forecast suggests a possibility of intermittent rain or thundershowers at scattered places between July 1 and 5, increasing in intensity between July 6 and 8.

However, with rain comes the risk of flash floods, landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones in vulnerable areas, prompting officials to issue precautionary warnings.

Interestingly, parts of the Jammu region recorded below-normal temperatures on Monday.

Jammu city saw a high of 32.3 degrees Celsius, 3.7 degrees Celsius below normal, while Bhaderwah and Katra also registered lower-than-average maximums.

However, Banihal, Batote, and other upper reaches experienced slightly above-normal temperatures.