Srinagar: The summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir witnessed an intense heatwave on Saturday as Srinagar recorded 37.4°C, making it the hottest July day since 1953 and the third-highest July temperature since 1892, according to official data shared by the Meteorological Centre Srinagar.
“This is the highest July temperature Srinagar has seen in over 70 years,” said an independent forecaster from Kashmir Weather. “Such intense heat in the Valley is highly unusual and a clear indicator of shifting climatic patterns.”
Meanwhile, according to a statement issued by the Met Centre Srinagar as per news agency JKNS stated that today’s temperature of 37.4°C is only slightly lower than the second-highest July temperature of 37.7°C recorded on July 5, 1953. The all-time highest remains 38.3°C recorded on July 10, 1946.
The record-breaking heat wasn’t limited to Srinagar alone, Pahalgam recorded its highest-ever maximum temperature for July at 31.6°C, surpassing the previous record of 31.5°C on July 21, 2024.
Kokernag registered its second-highest July maximum at 34.0°C, just below the all-time record of 34.1°C set on July 28, 2024.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast relief beginning Sunday, with intermittent rain and thundershowers expected in various parts of the Valley over the coming days.
Despite the record temperatures, officials remain hopeful that the predicted rainfall will help moderate conditions and bring much-needed respite to the region. (JKNS)
