Srinagar records season’s second hottest day at 35.2°C
Children rush to rivers, streams, lakes to escape heat
MeT predicts relief amid rain, gusty winds from today
Srinagar, Jun 30: Kashmir continued to reel under intense heatwave conditions on Tuesday as Srinagar recorded the season’s second hottest day at 35.2 degrees Celsius, just a day after witnessing the hottest day of the season at 35.3 degrees Celsius.
According to the Meteorological Department, the maximum temperature in Srinagar remained 5.6 degrees above normal, while night temperatures also stayed unusually high at 22.5 degrees Celsius, offering little relief from the scorching conditions.
Several places across the Valley recorded temperatures well above seasonal averages. Kupwara registered 35.4°C, Qazigund 33.4°C, Kokernag 33.0°C and Pahalgam 29.6°C. Even Gulmarg, known for its cool climate, recorded an unusually high 26.0°C.
Shopkeepers at the commercial hub Lal Chowk also complained of the reduced flow of customers due to the heatwave. “Since the past few days, customer flow has gone down immensely due to the intense heatwave,” said Abdul Ahad, who sells readymade garments and cosmetics.
As the heatwave intensified in the afternoon, children were seen taking baths and swimming in streams, rivers and lakes across Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir to beat the heat.
At several places along the Jhelum riverbanks and near local streams, groups of children jumped into the water during the afternoon hours. “It feels impossible to stay in school for the entire day. We come here every day after school to cool ourselves,” said Ayan, a school student in Srinagar.
Another teenager, Umer from Baramulla, said the heat this summer feels very unusual.
“Earlier we waited for sunshine in Kashmir, but now afternoons have become too hot. Swimming in the stream gives us relief,” he said.
Director Meteorological Centre Srinagar, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, said pre-monsoon activity is expected to bring relief from July 1 onwards.
“Intermittent rain and thundershower activity is likely till July 5. There is also a possibility of gusty winds, flash floods, landslides and shooting stones in vulnerable areas,” he said.
Health experts have urged people to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours. Dr Suhail Naik, a public health expert, said prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and aggravate cardiac and respiratory ailments, especially among children and the elderly.
“People must stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours and consume light food. The elderly, labourers and patients with existing illnesses need extra care during such weather conditions,” he said.
Environmental experts said the rising frequency of unusually warm days in Kashmir reflects changing climate patterns in the Himalayan region.
“This kind of prolonged heat in Kashmir was once considered rare. Rising temperatures, declining green cover and changing weather systems are contributing to more frequent heatwave-like situations,” said an environmentalist. The MeT Department has advised travellers and residents living in vulnerable areas to remain alert as the expected wet spell could trigger flash floods and landslides in hilly regions and low-lying areas.
