SRINAGAR: Kashmir continued to reel under unusually hot weather on Friday with Srinagar recording a maximum temperature of 35 degrees Celsius, nearly 5 degrees above normal, while most parts of the Valley remained dry, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The IMD’s evening weather bulletin said no rainfall was recorded in Srinagar or any other major weather station in Kashmir between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm, indicating persistent dry conditions across the region.
Among the Valley stations, Kupwara also recorded 35°C, 4.1 degrees above normal, while Qazigund registered 33.2°C, 5.2 degrees above normal, and Kokernag touched 32.9°C, 5.3 degrees above the seasonal average.
The tourist destinations of Pahalgam and Gulmarg recorded maximum temperatures of 27.4°C and 25.6°C, respectively, both remaining above normal.
Night temperatures also stayed significantly above average. Srinagar recorded a minimum of 22°C, 3.3 degrees above normal, while Kupwara settled at 21°C, Qazigund at 19.5°C and Pahalgam at 16°C, all above the seasonal average.
In the Jammu region, Jammu city remained the hottest station with a maximum temperature of 35.8°C, followed by Katra (31.8°C), Bhaderwah (31.5°C), Banihal (30.8°C) and Batote (27.4°C).
The IMD has forecast a gradual change in weather beginning July 18, with light to moderate rainfall at many places across Jammu and Kashmir. Rain activity is expected to intensify further on July 20 and 21, when several districts, particularly in the Jammu region, are likely to receive **heavy to very heavy rainfall**, while widespread moderate rainfall is expected across Kashmir.
The weather office has also issued a series of advisories for the coming days. It has warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 60 kmph at isolated places over the next five days.
The IMD has further cautioned that between July 19 and July 21, a few places in the Jammu division could witness brief spells of intense to very heavy rainfall, raising the risk of flash floods, landslides and mudslides in vulnerable areas.
There is also a possibility of minor flooding and waterlogging in low-lying areas, particularly from July 17 to July 21.
The Meteorological Centre has advised farmers to suspend agricultural operations from July 20 to July 23 in view of the expected adverse weather. It has urged residents, travellers and local authorities to remain alert and follow official advisories as weather conditions are expected to deteriorate during the second half of the forecast period.
