Srinagar Swelters in Searing Summer

Srinagar, July 28: Sweltering weather conditions persisted across Kashmir on Sunday, pushing day and night temperatures to unprecedented heights.

According to the Meteorological Department, Srinagar experienced its hottest day of the season, with temperatures soaring to 36.2 degrees Celsius.

This marks the fourth warmest day ever recorded in July for Srinagar.

The all-time highest July temperature in Srinagar remains 38.3 degrees Celsius, recorded on July 10, 1946.

The second highest was 37 degrees Celsius on July 9, 1999, followed by 36.6 degrees Celsius in 1997.

In addition to Srinagar, Qazigund and Kokernag also set new records.

Qazigund, known as the gateway town of Kashmir, recorded a maximum temperature of 35.6 degrees Celsius, surpassing its previous high of 34.5 degrees Celsius on July 11, 1988.

Kokernag reached 34.6 degrees Celsius, breaking its earlier record of 33.3 degrees Celsius set on July 3, 2024, and 33 degrees Celsius on July 8, 1993.

Other parts of Kashmir also faced extreme heat.

Pahalgam recorded a maximum of 31.1 degrees Celsius, Kupwara 35.8 degrees Celsius, Gulmarg 25.6 degrees Celsius, and Jammu 32 degrees Celsius.

Srinagar additionally recorded its hottest night of the season at 24.6 degrees Celsius, which was 5.8 degrees Celsius above normal.

This was the third-highest nighttime temperature in the last 132 years, according to independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif Keng.

The second-highest minimum temperature was 24.8 degrees Celsius on July 26, 2021, and the all-time highest was 25.2 degrees Celsius on July 21, 1988.

The extreme heat has caused significant discomfort and health concerns among residents, with temperatures at night comparable to those usually experienced during the daytime in mid-May.

The ongoing heatwave has tested the resilience of the community, with authorities issuing advisories to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities during peak hours.

The Meteorological Department forecasts a significant decline in temperatures as rains are expected in J&K starting Monday.

The weather is predicted to be generally cloudy with intermittent light to moderate rain and thundershowers from July 29 to 31 in the Kashmir division and widespread in the Jammu division.

From August 1 to 4, the forecast includes generally cloudy weather with intermittent light to moderate rain and thundershowers at many places in Kashmir and most places in the Jammu division.

Intense showers are expected briefly, with the possibility of landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones in vulnerable areas.

Heavy rainfall is anticipated in some parts of the Jammu division.

“Significant fall in day temperatures is expected from July 29 onwards,” the Meteorological Department said.