Srinagar, 12 Sep: Severe heatwave has gripped Kashmir valley for past few days with Srinagar recording its second-highest daytime temperature after 132 years. According to the officials at the the Meteorological Department , the scorching weather conditions are likely to persist this week in the Himalayan region.
Director MeT, Sonam Lotus told Rising Kashmir that Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 34.2°C, which is 6.0°C above normal which is the second highest maximum temperature ever recorded in September since 1891. It broke a 53 years record of 33.8°C recorded on September, 01, 1970, he said.
Lotus said 35.0°C is the all-time highest temperature recorded on 18 September 1934. He said severe heatwave has hit parts of Kashmir, Srinagar, Qazigund and Kokernag recorded record breaking severe heat wave.
“Qazigund recorded a maximum temperature of 33.2°C which is 6.7°C above normal and broke the previous highest max. temp. of 32.8°C recorded on 12 September 2019,” he said.
Lotus said Tuesday’s temperature is highest Since 1956 for Qazigund, similarly 32.0°C was recorded in Kokernag in south Kashmir, This temperature is the highest in 46 years since 1977.
About the forecast, he said a severe heat wave will likely continue in Kashmir for another 4-5 days.
Lotus said prolonged dry spell with less moisture will continue due to stable atmospheric conditions. Deficit rainfall is likely to continue for next one week, at least in J&K, he said,
“As the region grapples with this unprecedented heatwave, residents are urged to take precautions to stay cool and hydrated, while authorities remain vigilant for any potential heat-related health concerns,” Lotus said.
Over the past several weeks, Kashmir is witnessing a significant rise in day temperatures. Ski resort Gulmarg in north Kashmir was the coldest with a high of 24.4 degrees Celsius and 13.2 as minimum temperature.
Health resort Pahalgam in south Kashmir recorded 28.5 C as maximum temperature and 14.8°C as minimum temperature respectively. Jammu recorded 30.5°C as maximum temperature and 24.2 as minimum temperatures.
Banihal recorded 30.0°C as maximum temperature and 18.8 as minimum temperatures.
A traffic police spokesman said during the past 24 hours, Jammu-Srinagar highway remained blocked for 01 hr 35 mins due to removing of loose boulder at Hassanbass and blocked for 05 hrs 21 mins due to landslide at Kishtwari Pather, Banihal, making the total blockage of 06 hrs 56 mins.
“Slow movement was observed on NH-44 due to breakdown of 01 HMV, movement of 02 nomadic flocks and single stretch at Mehar, Cafeteria and Dalwas between Nashri and NAVYUG Tunnel,” he added.
On Wednesday, subject to fair weather and better road conditions LMVs Passenger/Private Cars/HMVs/Load Carriers shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44) viz Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa. Commuters are advised to follow lane discipline, he said.
“The vehicular movement on Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari road shall be allowed from both sides viz Srinagar towards Kargil and vice-versa. LMVs followed by HMVs shall be allowed from Minamarg towards Srinagar at 0730 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,” the spokesman said.
The vehicular movement on Mughal road shall be allowed from both sides viz. 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 of timings, the spokesman said.
