Srinagar: Kashmir continued to reel under intense heatwave conditions on Tuesday with Srinagar recording its season’s second-highest maximum temperature at 35.3 degrees Celsius, while the Meteorological Department forecast a gradual respite beginning Wednesday as monsoon winds and a western disturbance start influencing weather across Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the Meteorological Centre, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 35.3°C, which was 5.3 degrees above normal. Other parts of Kashmir also witnessed significantly above-normal temperatures, with Qazigund settling at 33.8°C, Kupwara at 32.7°C, Kukernag at 32.9°C and Pahalgam at 29.0°C. Gulmarg recorded a comparatively cooler 26.2°C.
In the Jammu division, temperatures remained high with Jammu city recording 36.9°C, Kathua 37.4°C and Katra 35.6°C, while Samba emerged among the hottest locations at 38.9°C.
The weather department said heatwave or heatwave-like conditions are likely to persist till Tuesday before temperatures begin easing from Wednesday onward.
Officials said the Valley and parts of Jammu division are expected to witness a gradual weather change due to the combined influence of advancing monsoon winds and an approaching western disturbance.
According to the forecast, many places across Jammu and Kashmir are likely to receive one or two spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers between July 1 and July 5.
Rainfall activity is expected to intensify between July 2 and July 4, when isolated areas may witness heavy rainfall, brief intense showers, thunderstorms and gusty winds.
The MeT office said rainfall is likely at many places in Poonch, Rajouri, Shopian, Budgam and Kulgam, while isolated showers are expected along the Reasi–Banihal–Ramban axis and in areas including Gulmarg, Uri and Sonamarg.
Officials added that a few places in Poonch, Rajouri, Budgam, Shopian, Kulgam and adjoining areas may witness short-duration but intense rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds.
The department said monsoon winds are expected to enter Jammu and Kashmir from Wednesday, increasing the chances of morning and evening showers across the Jammu division and parts of the Kashmir Valley.
The weather system is expected to bring noticeable relief from prevailing hot conditions, particularly between Thursday and Saturday, when rainfall activity is likely to remain at its peak.
However, the weather office warned that heavy rainfall during July 2–4 could trigger flash floods, landslides and mudslides at vulnerable locations, especially in parts of the Jammu division and adjoining areas of south Kashmir.
Temporary waterlogging in low-lying areas is also likely during July 2 and July 3.
The impact of the weather system is expected to be more pronounced across the Jammu division and south Kashmir, while central and north Kashmir may receive comparatively lower rainfall.
The department advised residents to avoid venturing near nallahs, streams and landslide-prone areas during intense rainfall spells and urged people to take precautions against lightning, strong winds and thunderstorms.
It also cautioned that isolated hailstorm activity and intense showers cannot be ruled out during the active phase of the weather system, although widespread continuous rainfall is not expected.
