Srinagar, Jun 29 (KNO): Kashmir witnessed one of its hottest days of the summer on Sunday, with Srinagar recording a maximum temperature of 35.3 degrees Celsius, the highest of the season so far and 5.3 degrees above normal.
An official of the Meteorological Centre Srinagar told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the heatwave conditions are expected to persist till Tuesday, while relief is likely from Wednesday onwards as an approaching Western Disturbance is expected to bring rain across Jammu and Kashmir.
Besides Srinagar, several other places in Kashmir also recorded temperatures well above normal. Qazigund registered 33.8°C, around 5°C above normal, while Kokernag recorded 32.9°C, around 5°C above normal. Kupwara settled at 32.7°C, Pahalgam at 29°C, and Gulmarg, usually known for its cool weather, recorded 26.2°C, more than 5°C above normal.
In contrast, temperatures in the Jammu division remained close to normal due to prevailing monsoon-like conditions. Jammu city recorded 36.9°C, almost normal for this time of the year, while Banihal, Batote, Bhaderwah and Katra recorded temperatures ranging between 29.3°C and 35.6°C.
The Meteorological Department said daytime temperatures across Kashmir are likely to remain 4°C to 8°C above normal through Monday, resulting in heatwave conditions in many areas.
"Generally hot and dry weather is expected during the forenoon and afternoon on Monday, with the possibility of light rain or brief thundershowers accompanied by gusty winds at scattered places later in the day," an official said.
From July 1 to July 5, fresh spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers are expected across many places in Jammu and Kashmir, with the possibility of heavy rainfall and intense showers at isolated locations, particularly on July 2 and 3.
The weather office has warned that heavy rainfall in parts of the Jammu division may trigger flash floods, landslides, mudslides and temporary waterlogging in low-lying areas. People have been advised to stay away from streams, nallahs and landslide-prone areas during the period.
The unusually high temperatures disrupted normal life in Srinagar, where roads, markets and public spaces wore a deserted look during the afternoon as people preferred to stay indoors.
"It felt impossible to walk outside after noon. Even inside the house, the heat was unbearable because most homes here are not designed for such temperatures," locals said from Srinagar.
Officials said temperatures are expected to gradually decline from Wednesday, with further relief likely from Thursday as rain-bearing systems become active over the region—(KNO)