Srinagar swelters at35.3°C, logs seasons hottest day
Heatwave to continue in Kashmir for two more days, warns MeT
Srinagar: Srinagar recorded the hottest day of the season on Monday as the mercury touched 35.3°C, with the Kashmir Valley reeling under an intense heatwave for the third consecutive day.
An official of Meteorological Centre Srinagar said that hot and dry weather with heatwave-like conditions will continue across Jammu and Kashmir till June 30. Light rain or brief thundershowers with gusty winds may occur at scattered places during late-night and early morning hours. Pre-monsoon showers are also likely over the plains of Jammu.
Fresh spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers are expected across J&K from July 1 to July 5, likely bringing relief from the heat. Heavy rainfall, intense showers, thunderstorms and gusty winds are likely at a few places, particularly on July 2 and 3.
From July 6 to July 8, weather is expected to remain hot and humid with intermittent rain or thundershowers at scattered places.
The MeT Department has advised caution, warning that heavy rain on July 2 and 3 may trigger flash floods, landslides, and mudslides in vulnerable areas of Jammu Division. People have been urged to stay away from nallas, streams, and landslide-prone areas. Temporary waterlogging may occur in low-lying areas due to intense showers.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department said that the Kashmir Valley will continue to sizzle under intense heat for the next two days, even as it issued an alert over the southwest monsoon advancing into Jammu and Kashmir from July 1, with the Jammu region likely to witness heavy downpours that could trigger flash floods and landslides.
Director of MeT, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, said, “We are expecting the mercury to touch 38 degrees Celsius. The heat will continue for the next 48 hours, with temperatures hovering around 33.5 to 34 degrees tomorrow.”
The MeT chief said the monsoon is set to make its onset in the Union Territory within 72 hours, with the first spell beginning July 1. “Around July 2–3, we are expecting heavy to very heavy rainfall, especially in the Jammu region. Some districts may witness extremely intense showers in a very short duration, which could trigger flash floods, landslides, and mudslides,” he said.
Dr. Mukhtar also cautioned about waterlogging in low-lying areas and advised residents to remain alert. He said the monsoon has already covered parts of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and is likely to progress further into Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and also enter J&K in the next few days.
On the prevailing heatwave conditions, the MeT director said the valley would continue to experience dry and warm weather, with only isolated afternoon activity expected. “There is no major weather system active for the next 40 hours. It will remain on the hotter side,” he added.
In an advisory to farmers, Dr. Mukhtar suggested that field preparation and transplantation work could continue, but advised against irrigation from July 1 onwards. “Farmers can carry out spraying operations only during the morning and evening hours,” he said, urging people to stay updated with official weather bulletins.
