Dry weather to persist until June 30; fresh Western Disturbance and advancing monsoon likely to bring widespread rain, thunderstorms and a drop in temperatures.
SRINAGAR, June 28: Kashmir remained in the grip of an intense heatwave on Sunday, with Srinagar recording the season’s highest maximum temperature of 33.8°C, even as the Meteorological Department (MeT) forecast significant weather relief from July 1 with the arrival of widespread rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the MeT Department, several stations across the Valley registered unusually high daytime temperatures. Qazigund recorded 33.2°C, Kupwara 32.3°C, Kokernag 31.9°C, Banihal 31.6°C, Pahalgam 27.7°C, and Gulmarg 24.8°C. In the Jammu division, Jammu city recorded 37.0°C, followed by Katra at 35.6°C and Bhaderwah at 32.0°C.
Officials said hot and generally dry weather is expected to continue across the Union Territory through June 30, prolonging the prevailing heatwave conditions.
However, a significant change in the weather pattern is anticipated between July 1 and July 4, as a fresh Western Disturbance is expected to interact with advancing southwest monsoon currents over the region.
The combined weather system is likely to trigger widespread rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds and isolated hailstorms in several parts of Jammu and Kashmir. The anticipated wet spell is expected to bring a noticeable drop in temperatures, offering respite from the prolonged heat.
At the same time, the MeT Department has cautioned that intense showers and strong winds could lead to localized disruptions, particularly in vulnerable and hilly areas. Residents, especially those living in flood-prone locations, have been advised to remain vigilant and follow official weather advisories during the forecast period.
The expected rainfall is also likely to improve soil moisture and provide relief to agriculture and horticulture sectors, which have been affected by the prevailing dry and hot weather conditions. Authorities continue to monitor the evolving weather system and have urged the public to stay updated through official forecasts.
