Srinagar: Intense heatwave continued across Kashmir as Srinagar experienced the hottest July day in over seven decades on Saturday.
At 37.4°C, Srinagar, the summer capital of J&K, recorded its third highest temperature for July while Pahalgam and Kokernag touched maximum ever and second highest respectively for the month on weekend.
A meteorological department official here told GNS today’s maximum temperature was only two notches below the second highest (37.7°C) recorded on 5 July 1953. Srinagar recorded its all time highest maximum temperature of 38.3°C on 10 July 1946, the official said.
Similarly, he said, Pahalgam, which serves as base camp for ongoing Amarnath Yatra, recorded its all time highest maximum temperature of 31.6°C, surpassing previous highest of 31.5°C on 21 July 2024.
Kokernag recorded its 2nd highest ever maximum temperature at 34.0°C, just a notch below the highest ever temperature (34.1°C) witnessed in the south Kashmir areas on 28 July 2024. With maximum temperature touching new heights, parents and students have urged authorities to extend the ongoing summer vacations by at least a week. Education Minister Sakina Itoo told reporters earlier that the decision would be taken on ensuing Sunday.
He said Qazigund recorded 32.8°C, Kupwara 33.4°C, Gulmarg 23.5°C, Jammu city 34.5°C, Banihal 30.1°C, Batote 27.2°C, Bhaderwah 32.4°C, Katra 30.5°C, Leh 29.4°C and Kargil 33.5°C.
Meanwhile, MeT department said that generally cloudy weather with possibility of intermittent light to moderate Rain and thundershower were expected at many places between July 6-8. “Few places may receive intense showers with heavy Rain at isolated places of Jammu Division mainly towards late night/ early morning,” the weather department said.
On July 9-10, the MeT department said that there was possibility of light to moderate rain and thundershower at scattered to many places.
“Hot & humid weather with brief showers is expected at scattered places on July 11-12,” the weather department added. (with inputs from GNS)
Heatwave Records Tumble, Srinagar Sizzles In Hottest July Day At 37.4°C In 7 Decades
