SRINAGAR: Amidst the persistent dry spell, most parts of Kashmir on Monday recorded a heat wave, with Srinagar experiencing a maximum temperature of 35.6 degrees Celsius, leading to a 30 percent reduction in the water level of the Jhelum River.
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, was warmer than the Jammu division as the mercury settled 5.7 degrees Celsius above normal temperatures today.
In addition to Srinagar, Qazigund, Pahalgam, Kupwara, and Kokernag also recorded heat waves, with a forecast of persistent heat wave conditions in parts of Jammu and Kashmir for the next 24 hours.
Qazigund, the gateway to Kashmir, recorded a maximum temperature of 34.0 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam, Kupwara, and Kokernag recorded day temperatures of 30.2 degrees Celsius, 35.6 degrees Celsius, and 33.5 degrees Celsius, respectively.
However, the Meteorological Department (MeT) has predicted partly cloudy weather conditions from tomorrow until July 26, with brief spells of rain and thundershowers expected in isolated to scattered places in Kashmir and scattered to fairly widespread places in Jammu.
Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the Meteorological Department, stated that partly to generally cloudy weather with intermittent spells of light to moderate rains is expected from July 27 and July 28. He added that there is a possibility of rain and thundershowers at isolated to scattered places from July 29 to July 31.
In its advisory, the MeT has warned of intense showers for brief periods, with the possibility of landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones in a few vulnerable places in Jammu. Hot and humid weather will prevail until July 26.
Meanwhile, with the persistent dry spell in Kashmir, Braham Jyoti Sharma, Chief Engineer of the Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) division, told local news agency KNO that the water level in the Jhelum River has reduced by 30 percent due to the ongoing dry spell.
He said that almost 10 percent of the lift irrigation schemes have become non-functional due to the prevailing situation, adding that there was no need to panic as the situation can be controlled even if it deteriorates further.
“The situation is not alarming at present, and regular meetings are being conducted to monitor the prevailing situation,” he said, adding that the situation is under control.
Pertinently, the ongoing dry spell has affected 20 percent of the water supply in Kashmir, with officials appealing to people to use water judiciously. (KNO)
