SRINAGAR: As the Kashmir valley prepares to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha this weekend, the region is again bracing for a heatwave, with temperatures expected to soar sharply in the coming days.
According to the meteorological centre in Srinagar, dry and hot weather will dominate the valley for at least six days, taking hold just as people begin Eid festivities on Saturday.
“The weather will be mostly hot and dry till June 12. The temperatures will increase further, and there are chances of a heatwave,” said Farooq Ahmad, a meteorologist at the MeT office.
Srinagar witnessed a noticeable spike in temperature on Friday, with the mercury climbing to 30 degrees Celsius — a sharp rise from Thursday’s 26 degrees. Ahmad said the temperatures are likely to climb further, reaching 33 to 34 degrees Celsius by early next week.
The Kashmir valley had earlier endured an intense heatwave from May 18 to 27, when temperatures hovered 6 to 8 degrees Celsius above normal. On May 22, Srinagar recorded a sweltering 34.4 degrees, the third-highest maximum temperature in its recorded history, surpassed only by the 35 degrees registered on May 31, 1956.
Following the late-May heatwave, the region experienced a stretch of stormy weather that brought intermittent rain, gusty winds, and even fresh snowfall in the higher reaches.
However, meteorological indicators suggest that the relief was brief.
Independent weather observer Faizan Arif forecast that temperatures in the Kashmir plains could peak between 34 and 35 degrees Celsius in the coming week. Meanwhile, in the Jammu plains, the mercury might touch a scorching 45 to 46 degrees Celsius.
The return of high temperatures has raised concerns, especially for those observing Eid rituals outdoors. Health authorities have advised residents to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during peak hours.
