Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, June 30

Kashmir remained in the grip of an intense early-summer heatwave on Tuesday, with temperatures staying well above seasonal averages across the Valley, although weather officials said an approaching western disturbance interacting with southwest monsoon currents is expected to bring widespread rainfall from Wednesday, ending the unusually hot spell.

Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 35.2 degrees Celsius, about 5.6 degrees above normal, according to the Meteorological Department. While marginally lower than Monday’s season-high of 35.5 degrees Celsius, the reading marked the fifth consecutive day of significantly above-normal temperatures in the Valley.

The recent surge represents a sharp reversal from weather conditions that prevailed through most of June, when frequent cloud cover and intermittent rain kept daytime temperatures in Srinagar largely between 24 and 29 degrees Celsius.

Clouds gathered over much of Kashmir by Tuesday evening, with several areas reporting brief but intense thundershowers accompanied by gusty winds, providing temporary relief after another day of oppressive heat.

Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the Meteorological Department, said a fresh western disturbance interacting with advancing southwest monsoon currents would influence weather across Jammu and Kashmir between July 1 and July 5.

“The interaction is likely to trigger widespread light to moderate rain and thundershowers across Jammu and Kashmir. A few places may witness intense showers accompanied by gusty winds, lightning and isolated hailstorms,” Ahmad said.

He said increasing cloud cover and widespread precipitation were expected to bring down daytime temperatures substantially from Wednesday, effectively ending the current heatwave.

The department warned that heavy showers at isolated locations could trigger flash floods in vulnerable streams, waterlogging in low-lying areas, landslides and shooting stones along highways and hill roads. Gusty winds and lightning could also temporarily disrupt transport services and outdoor activities, it said.

Temperature readings across the Valley reflected the widespread nature of the heat. Kupwara recorded the highest maximum temperature at 35.4 degrees Celsius, around 5.4 degrees above normal, while Qazigund registered 33.4 degrees Celsius and Kokernag 33 degrees Celsius, both nearly six degrees above seasonal averages.

The tourist resorts also experienced unusually warm conditions, with Pahalgam recording 29.6 degrees Celsius and Gulmarg 26 degrees Celsius, both around five degrees above normal.

In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded a maximum temperature of 36.3 degrees Celsius, slightly above normal, while Bhaderwah, Banihal and Batote also reported temperatures exceeding their long-term averages.

Weather officials said the current system is likely to weaken after July 5, with generally hot and humid conditions expected to return between July 6 and July 8. Isolated areas, however, may continue to receive brief spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers during that period.

The expected rainfall marks the onset of a more active monsoon phase over Jammu and Kashmir and is likely to provide relief after nearly a week of unusually high temperatures across the region.