• Jammu, Katra, other places record lower than Srinagar
• MeT predicts relief from heat wave in Kashmir from July 30
• Jhelum River, other water bodies witness decrease in water levels
Srinagar, July 26: Kashmir is currently facing a severe heatwave, with Srinagar recording a daytime high of 35.7°C in July, the highest in 25 years. The Meteorological Department has forecasted relief from the heatwave over the next three days.
Director of the Meteorological Department, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, reported that Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 35.7°C on July 4th and 26th, matching the highest daytime temperature in July over the past 25 years. This temperature is close to historical highs, including 37°C recorded on July 9th, 1999, and 35.5°C observed in 2005 and 2006. The highest temperature ever recorded in Srinagar remains 38.3°C, documented in 1946.
Dr Ahmad stated that from July 27-28, brief spells of rain and thundershowers are expected in isolated areas of the Kashmir Division and light to moderate rain in many places in the Jammu division. From July 29-31, the weather will remain mostly cloudy with intermittent spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers in scattered to widespread places in the Kashmir division and widespread places in the Jammu division. From August 1-4, the weather will remain cloudy with intermittent light to moderate rain and thundershowers in many places in the Kashmir Division and most places in the Jammu Division.
The MeT department has issued an advisory for intense showers, with possibilities of landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones in vulnerable areas, and heavy rainfall in some parts of the Jammu division. A significant drop in day temperatures is expected from July 29 onwards.
As per MeT data, Srinagar recorded 35.7°C as the maximum temperature and 22.6°C as the minimum temperature. Gulmarg recorded a high of 25.4°C and a low of 15.5°C. Pahalgam recorded a maximum temperature of 30.1°C and a minimum of 15.5°C. Kokernag recorded 32.5°C as the maximum and 18.7°C as the minimum temperature. Kupwara recorded a high of 35.6°C and a low of 17.8°C.
Jammu witnessed hot weather, recording a maximum temperature of 35.3°C, lower than Srinagar, and a minimum of 26.2°C. Katra recorded a day temperature of 32.0°C and a minimum of 25.8°C.
To escape the scorching weather, people are flocking to water bodies and hill stations. Over the past decade, from 2014 to 2024, July’s maximum temperatures in Srinagar have ranged from 28.5°C to 34.9°C, with minimum temperatures varying between 5.0°C and 9.8°C.
The intense heatwave has led to a significant decline in water levels across the region. The Jhelum River, a crucial water source, is experiencing alarmingly low levels. This situation has adversely affected the region’s iconic houseboats, with many now grounded due to the reduced water levels. The shortage of rainfall has exacerbated the water crisis, impacting agriculture, horticulture, and tourism in the region.
A traffic police spokesman reported slow movement on the Srinagar-Jammu highway due to the breakdown of seven heavy motor vehicles (HMVs), single-lane traffic at Dalwas, Mehad, and between Marog and Kishtwar Pather. Subject to fair weather and better road conditions, SANJY convoy and light motor vehicles (LMVs) will be allowed from both sides on the Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44) on Sunday.
On the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag NH-244, vehicular movement (only LMVs) will be allowed from both sides between 0900 hrs to 1300 hrs, with no vehicles allowed after the cutoff timing. One-way traffic for LMVs/HMVs from Kargil towards Srinagar on the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari road will be allowed, with LMVs followed by HMVs from Minamarg towards Srinagar between 0630 hrs and 1100 hrs, and from Sonamarg towards Kargil between 1300 hrs and 1700 hrs.
On the historic Mughal Road, vehicular movement (LMVs followed by HMVs up to 10 tires) will be allowed from both sides between 0600 hrs and 1800 hrs, with no vehicles allowed after the cutoff timings.
