• Highest minimum temp in 132 yrs at 24.6°C
• Qazigund, Kokernag recorded highest ever max temps
• MeT forecasts heatwave relief from July 31
SRINAGAR, JULY 28: Srinagar experienced its fourth highest temperature ever recorded in July, reaching 36.2 degrees Celsius during a persistent heatwave. This also marked the hottest day of the season so far. The city recorded its highest minimum temperature in 132 years at 24.6 degrees Celsius, according to the Meteorological Department (MeT).
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of MeT Kashmir, confirmed that the 36.2 degrees Celsius recorded was the fourth highest temperature for July in Srinagar’s history.
“The third highest, 36.6°C, was recorded in 1997. The all-time highest for July is 38.3°C, recorded on July 10, 1946, followed by 37°C on July 9, 1999,” he said.
Qazigund also recorded its highest ever temperature at 35.6°C, breaking the previous record of 34.5°C set on July 11, 1988. Similarly, Kokernag recorded its highest ever maximum at 34.1°C. The second highest maximum for Kokernag was 33.3°C recorded on July 3, 2024, and the third highest was 33°C on July 8, 1993.
Despite some areas of Kashmir witnessing light rain and thundershowers, including Uri, Gulmarg, and Doodh Pathri, Srinagar’s minimum temperature of 24.6 degrees Celsius was 5.8 degrees above normal, making it the third highest in 132 years. The second highest minimum temperature was 24.8 degrees Celsius recorded on July 26, 2021, and the highest was 25.2 degrees Celsius on July 21, 1988.
Dr Mukhtar said 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.
The MeT Department has forecast brief spells of rain and thundershowers from July 27-28 in isolated areas of Kashmir and light to moderate rain in many places in the Jammu division. “From July 29-31, weather will remain mostly cloudy with intermittent light to moderate rain and thundershowers in scattered to widespread places in Kashmir and Jammu divisions,” he said.
Dr. Mukhtar said that from August 1st-4th, 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.
Meanwhile, 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, it said.
As per MeT data, Gulmarg recorded a high of 25.6°C and a low of 16.0°C. Pahalgam recorded a maximum temperature of 31.1°C and a minimum of 17.0°C. Kokernag recorded 34.1°C as the maximum and 19.7°C as the minimum temperature. Kupwara recorded a high of 34.1°C and a low of 17.8°C.
Jammu witnessed hot weather, recording a maximum temperature of 32.0°C, lower than Srinagar, and a minimum of 25.3°C. Katra recorded a day temperature of 31.0°C and a minimum of 23.0°C.
The intense heatwave has led to a significant decline in water levels across the region. 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 /LMVs Passenger/Private Cars shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44) viz from Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa. However, HMVs shall be allowed on alternate days. TCU Jammu/Srinagar shall liaise with TCU Ramban before releasing this traffic,” it said.
On Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road shall be allowed from both sides viz from Anantnag towards Kishtwar and vice versa. These vehicles shall be allowed from Daksum and Chingam (Chatroo) between 0800 hrs to 1500 hrs. No vehicle shall be allowed after cut off timing.
Subject to fair weather and good road condition, (after getting green signal from Road maintenance agencies) only one way traffic for LMVs/HMVs from Kargil towards Srinagar on Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari road shall be allowed.
On Mughal road, subject to fair weather and good road condition, 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 the cut of timing,” it said.
