By Tehelka Web Desk
Kashmir experienced its first significant summer heatwave of the season on Sunday, with Srinagar recording a maximum temperature of 33.8 degrees Celsius, the highest so far this year.
According to the Meteorological Department (MeT), temperatures have risen sharply across the Valley over the past three days, bringing an end to the unusually cool and unsettled weather that prevailed through most of June. Daytime temperatures in Srinagar had largely remained between 24°C and 29°C, with frequent rain and cloudy skies keeping conditions pleasant.
MeT officials said Kashmir was largely shielded from the intense heat affecting many parts of the country due to a series of weak but frequent Western Disturbances, which also limited the impact of the El Niño climate pattern in the region.
The prolonged spell of unstable weather brought intermittent thunderstorms, gusty winds, hailstorms and lightning across the Valley, causing crop damage, particularly to apple orchards, in several districts.
On Sunday, Srinagar recorded 33.8°C, which was 3.8°C above normal. Qazigund registered 33.2°C, Kupwara 32.3°C, Kokernag 31.9°C, Pahalgam 27.7°C and Gulmarg 24.8°C, all above their respective normal temperatures.
In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded 37°C, Katra 35.6°C and Bhaderwah 32°C, with temperatures remaining close to seasonal averages. Banihal recorded 31.6°C and Batote 29.5°C.
The MeT Department has forecast generally dry weather across Jammu and Kashmir until June 30, with temperatures expected to rise further over the next two days.
A fresh Western Disturbance, interacting with advancing monsoon winds, is expected to affect the region between July 1 and July 5, bringing widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, gusty winds, lightning and isolated hailstorms.
Officials said the wet spell is likely to provide relief from the current heat, although heavy rain and strong winds may cause localised disruptions, particularly in flood-prone and hilly areas. Temperatures are expected to drop following the rainfall.
From July 6 to July 8, hot and humid conditions are likely to return, with isolated spells of light to moderate rain or thunderstorms.
