SRINAGAR: With record-breaking temperatures across various locations in Kashmir, a severe heat wave is forecast for parts of the valley over the next four days, potentially surpassing previous records.
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, has recorded the second-highest maximum temperature for July in the past decade, as temperatures continue to rise across the Union Territory.
Srinagar has recorded a maximum temperature of 35.6 degrees Celsius for the third time this month, which is 5.7 degrees Celsius above normal.
Interestingly, both Srinagar and Jammu city recorded the same maximum temperature of 35.6 degrees Celsius.
Qazigund, the gateway to Kashmir, recorded its third all-time highest temperature today at 34.2 degrees Celsius. The highest ever recorded was on July 11, 1988, at 34.5 degrees Celsius, and the second-highest was recorded this year on July 3 at 34.4 degrees Celsius.
Other parts of Kashmir also saw a rise in temperature. Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination, recorded a maximum temperature of 29.3 degrees Celsius, while Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded 35.0 degrees Celsius.
In Jammu’s Katra, the maximum temperature was 31.9 degrees Celsius, and in Banihal, it reached 31.4 degrees Celsius.
According to Independent Weather Forecaster Faizan Arif Keng, weather models have reduced the probability of rain in the Kashmir region over the next 3-4 days, indicating only a severe heat wave.
Keng added that some temperature records might be broken during this period, with dry weather expected to continue for the next four days.
However, the Director of the Meteorological Department (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, told KNO that there is no red alert as temperatures will settle around 35 to 36 degrees Celsius.
“There is no need to panic, as relief is expected after July 28, with a significant drop in day temperatures,” he said. (KNO)
