Kashmir Heatwave: Srinagar Records Highest Temperature in 25 Years!

• At 35.7 degrees Celsius, Srinagar logs hottest July day in 25 years

• Intermittent rain, thunderstorms in Kashmir from today afternoon onwards: MeT

Kashmir Valley also known as the Paradise on Earth is witnessing an unprecedented heat wave with Srinagar breaking a 25-year record on July 3 as the temperature hit 35.6 degrees Celsius which is six degrees above normal. Experts believe the rise in mercury is due to the persistent dry spell leading to the increase in maximum temperatures.

The visitors landing in Kashmir Valley to get respite from the heat wave across North India are highly disappointed by the high temperatures and scorching heat in the Valley. The Boulevard Road, overlooking the Dal Lake is typically one of the busiest roads in the Srinagar City, but with the scorching heat, there are only a few visitors visible during the day.

Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 35.6 degrees Celsius which is six degrees Celsius above normal. It is the highest July temperature recorded in the city since 1999, when the maximum temperature reached 37.0 degrees Celsius on July 9.

Overall, it is the 11th highest maximum temperature recorded in Srinagar in July. The city witnessed the highest maximum temperature of 38.3 degrees Celsius recorded on July 10, 1946.

“Yesterday’s temperature was 35.6 degrees and it was the highest temperature since 1999 when the temperature was 37.0 degrees, and it is also the 11th highest temperature recorded ever in the month of July in Srinagar. And it’s not only Srinagar but also the higher reaches like Kokernag which recorded the all-time highest temperature. For Qazigund station and Gulmarg which also broke its decade-old record, a similar heat wave was also seen in north plains and south Kashmir as well,” said Faizan Arif, Weather Analyst and Forecaster.

Tourists landing in the Kashmir Valley from other North Indian states like Himachal and Uttarakhand are highly disappointed with heat waves not sparing these higher reaches as well.

“This is very hot, it’s around 35-36 and in UP it’s 41, not much of a difference. I did not expect this hot weather at all, we thought it would be pleasant and we would do a lot of adventure activities. We are staying inside the hotel all day and not venturing out due to heat. I am travelling with thermals, jackets and sweaters and we have not even opened it as we are feeling extremely hot here,” said Vishwa Gupta, a tourist from Uttar Pradesh.

The MeT has said that there is no hope of any respite from the heat in the next 48 hours. The weather does not only remain high in Srinagar city but also at tourist places on higher reaches like Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Kokernag and Verinag.

People who were expecting to witness icy winds and escape the scorching heat of the rest of the country were also left disappointed. “It’s very hot here, it at least rains in our areas, and here we have only seen scorching heat. We have come to Kashmir to witness cold weather, but we are sweating here. We have brought woollens but have not used them. Only wearing T-shirts as it’s hot. Very disappointed with the weather, the sun is extremely intense here,” said Tanya Gupta, a tourist.

The Valley has been witnessing erratic weather conditions, as heavy snowfall and severe cold wave conditions were seen in the middle of April and in June and July, it is now facing a heat wave.

The Jammu and Kashmir Government under the Heat Wave Action Plan has designated departments and nodal officers to help or assist affected individuals. The administration has urged residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect their health during this period of hot weather.

Meanwhile, The MET Centre in Srinagar has issued a weather forecast for the coming days, predicting heavy to moderate rainfall and potential weather-related hazards for Jammu Kashmir.

On 4th July, many areas are expected to experience intermittent spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers, with isolated heavy rainfall anticipated in the Jammu Division, MeT has said.

The forecast for 5th and 6th July suggests moderate rainfall across most places in the region, with a few locations likely to see heavy showers. Looking ahead to 7th July, intermittent light to moderate rain and thundershowers are expected in several areas.

From 8th to 10th July, the weather will turn hot and humid, with the possibility of scattered rain and thundershowers late at night or early morning in the Jammu Division and at a few locations in the Kashmir Division.

Residents are advised to be alert for flash floods, landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones, especially from 4th to 6th July, said MeT, adding, “Low-lying areas may face temporary waterlogging, and some locations could experience moderate thunderstorms and lightning.”