• Moderate rainfall in plains, upper reaches today: MeT Director
• Highway witnesses slow traffic due to breakdown of 07 HMVs
Srinagar, Jul 04: Kashmir is currently enduring a severe heat wave, 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 heat wave over the next three days for the region.
Director MeT, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad told Rising Kashmir that Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 35.7°C on 4th July, the highest daytime temperature in July in the past 25 years.
“This temperature is slightly higher than the 35.6°C observed on July 3rd, 2024. This temperature is notably close to the historical highs of 37°C recorded on July 9th, 1999, and matches the temperatures of 35.5°C observed in both 2005 and 2006.
“The highest temperature recorded in Srinagar remains 38.3°C, documented in 1946. Meanwhile, in Kokernag, the temperature peaked at 33.0°C on July 4th, 2024,” he said.
Dr. Mukhtar said that the all-time high of 33.3°C recorded in Kokernag was recorded on July 3rd, 2024, which stands as the highest temperature ever recorded in the area. The second-highest temperature in Kokernag was 33°C, noted back in 1993, he said.
Dr. Mukhtar further said that after witnessing hot and humid weather, they were expecting light to moderate rain in J&K on Friday and bring relief from scorching heat waves in the region.
“Between July 5th and 6th, there is a possibility of moderate to heavy rainfall at most places in Jammu & Kashmir,” he said.
Dr. Mukhtar said that parts of south Kashmir may receive moderate to heavy rain showers, for central & north Kashmir moderate rain showers are expected for next 2 days. Lightning along with very heavy showers for a short period is expected over some parts, he added.
Director MeT said that on July 7th, light to moderate rain or thundershowers will occur intermittently in many areas, with isolated heavy rain over Jammu Division.
“From July 8th to 10th, the weather will again be hot and humid, with the possibility of late night or early morning rain or thundershowers at scattered places in Jammu division and a few places in Kashmir region,” he added.
As per the MeT, heavy rainfall could lead to flooding of roads, waterlogging in low lying areas. There is a possibility of damage to vulnerable structure, landslides, mudslides and damage to horticulture and standing crops in some areas due to inundation.
As per MeT data, Srinagar recorded 35.7°C as the maximum temperature and 23.7°C as minimum temperature. Ski resort Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded a high of 25.3 degrees Celsius and 15.0 as minimum temperatures.
Health resort Pahalgam in south Kashmir recorded 30.0°C as maximum temperature and 15.1°C as the minimum temperature. Kokernag recorded 33.0°C as the maximum temperature, 20.6°C as the minimum temperature. Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded maximum temperatures of 35.2°C.
Meanwhile Jammu witnessed hot weather conditions during the day, sizzled at 33.0°C as maximum temperature and 26.0 °C as minimum temperatures. Katra also recorded the day temperature at 26.9°C and 23.2°C as the minimum temperature.
To escape the scorching weather, people are flocking to water bodies, while many are heading to hill stations to spend time amidst the cool woods.
Meanwhile, as per MeT data during the past 10 years from 2014 to 2024, the maximum temperatures in July have ranged from 28.5°C to 31.9°C. Minimum temperatures have varied between 5.0°C and 9.8°C.
A traffic police spokesman said that during the past 24 hours, there was slow movement observed on Srinagar-Jammu highway due to breakdown of 07 HMVs, single lane traffic at Dalwas, Mehad and between Marog & Kishtwri Pather.
As per eye witnesses massive traffic jam was witnessed along the 270 kilometer long road. There was complete mismanagement along the vital highway that connects the valley with the rest of the country.
“Never seen such chaos on this road! It’s like they forgot we all need to get somewhere,” said Abrar Malik, a frustrated local passenger caught in the massive traffic jam along the vital highway connecting the valley to the rest of the country.
“Despite cutoff timings announced by the traffic department, there is no relief for common people. Vehicles are being unnecessarily stopped. No one is bothered to look into the issue,” he added.
Meanwhile, subject to fair weather and better road conditions on Friday, SANJY convoy /LMVs Passenger/Private Cars shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44) viz from Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa,” he said.
On Kishtwar- Sinthan- Anantnag NH-244, Vehicular movement (only LMVs) on Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road shall be allowed from both sides viz Anantnag towards Kishtwar and vice versa.
“These vehicles shall be allowed from Daksum and Chingam (Chatroo) between 0900 hrs to 1300 hrs. No vehicle shall be allowed after cut off timing,” he said.
The spokesman said that one way traffic for LMVs/HMVs from Kargil towards Srinagar on Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari road shall be allowed.
“LMVs followed by HMVs shall be allowed from Minamarg towards Srinagar at 0630 hrs. to 1100 hrs. Similarly, LMVs followed by HMVs shall be allowed from Sonamarg towards Kargil at 1300 hrs to 1700 hrs. No vehicle shall be allowed after cut off timings,” he said.
On historic Mughal Road, vehicular movement (LMVs followed by HMVs upto 10 tyres) on Mughal road shall be allowed from both sides viz. from Poonch towards Shopian and vice versa.
“These vehicles shall be allowed from Behramgalla (Buffliaz) and Herpora (Shopian) at 0600 hrs. upto 1800 hrs. No vehicle shall be allowed after cut off timings,” he said.
