Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, June 29

A severe heatwave tightened its grip on Kashmir on Monday, with Srinagar recording its hottest day of June at 35.3 degrees Celsius, as temperatures across the Valley remained several degrees above seasonal averages after an unusually cool first half of the month.

The summer capital registered a maximum temperature of 35.3 degrees Celsius, up from 33.8 degrees Celsius a day earlier and around 5 degrees Celsius above normal, according to the Meteorological Department. The sharp rise marked the culmination of a four-day warming trend that has brought intense heat across Kashmir.

Other parts of the Valley also recorded significantly above-normal temperatures. Qazigund registered 33.8 degrees Celsius, around 5 degrees Celsius above normal, while Kokernag touched 32.9 degrees Celsius, also about 5 degrees Celsius above average. Kupwara recorded 32.7 degrees Celsius, 2.7 degrees Celsius above normal; Pahalgam settled at 29 degrees Celsius, 3.6 degrees Celsius above normal, and Gulmarg registered 26.9 degrees Celsius, exceeding the seasonal average by 5.2 degrees Celsius.

In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded a maximum of 36.9 degrees Celsius, marginally below normal by 0.1 degree Celsius. Katra recorded 35.6 degrees Celsius, Bhaderwah 32.9 degrees Celsius, Banihal 31.9 degrees Celsius and Batote 29.3 degrees Celsius, with most stations registering temperatures above normal.

The Meteorological Department said the prevailing hot conditions are likely to persist through Tuesday, with daytime temperatures expected to remain at current levels or rise slightly.

Forecasters, however, said relief is in sight as a fresh Western Disturbance interacting with advancing monsoon currents is expected to influence weather across Jammu and Kashmir between July 1 and July 5.

The system is likely to bring widespread rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, gusty winds, lightning and isolated hailstorms across many parts of the Union Territory, officials said.

They warned that while the wet spell is expected to bring down temperatures substantially and end the ongoing heatwave, heavy showers and strong winds could trigger localised disruptions, particularly in flood-prone areas and vulnerable hilly regions.

The department said hot and humid conditions are likely to return after the system weakens, with temperatures expected to rise again between July 6 and July 8, although isolated places may continue to receive brief spells of light to moderate rain or thunderstorms.