Srinagar, Jul 5: The ongoing heatwave gripping Kashmir has shattered several long-standing temperature records, with Srinagar recording its hottest July day in 72 years on Saturday, touching 37.4°C — the third highest ever recorded in the city since 1892.
As per the Meteorological Department (MeT), the temperature surpassed the previous record of 37.7°C recorded on July 5, 1953. The all-time highest maximum temperature for Srinagar remains 38.3°C, recorded on July 10, 1946.
Independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif Keng told Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that today’s temperature was the highest in July since 1953 and ranks as the third hottest day on record in the city.
The heatwave extended beyond Srinagar, breaking records across several areas: Qazigund recorded 34.6°C, its second-highest July temperature ever. The highest was on July 28, 2024, Kokernag reached 34.0°C, just shy of the July 2024 record of 34.1°C, Pahalgam hit 31.6°C, surpassing its previous July high of 31.3°C set in 2024, making today its hottest July day on record and Kupwara recorded 35.9°C — the highest for the month since July 10, 2006, when it reached 36.9°C.
Arif predicted that the hot and humid conditions are likely to persist through Sunday, but temperatures may dip slightly. A significant drop and respite from the heat is expected from Monday onward.
Meanwhile, MeT Director Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad said weather between July 6 and 8 is expected to remain generally cloudy with the likelihood of light to moderate rain and thundershowers across many regions. Isolated areas in the Jammu division may witness intense rainfall.
The MeT department has issued a weather advisory, warning of potential flash floods, landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones during the next few days. Water levels in rivers, streams, and local drains are also expected to rise, potentially causing waterlogging in low-lying areas.
