HEATWAVE IN KASHMIR
Kashmir is currently under the grip of a heat wave with day temperatures at various places soaring to record-high, even as some respite is likely ahead this week, officials said on Wednesday. On Tuesday, Srinagar city, at 34.6 degrees Celsius, was hotter than Kolkata, which registered a maximum temperature of 31 degrees Celsius. The city recorded the season's hottest day on Tuesday. In the last decade, this was the second highest maximum temperature recorded in the month of July, the officials said
On July 18, 2021, the city recorded the highest maximum temperature, 35 degrees Celsius, in July in the last decade. Meanwhile, the maximum temperature recorded on Tuesday at most places in the valley was around five degrees above the normal, the officials said. Srinagar city's maximum temperature was five degrees above the normal for this time of the year, they said.
The officials said the frontier Kupwara town, in north Kashmir, also registered a maximum of 34.6 degrees Celsius on Monday, while Qazigund, in south Kashmir, recorded 34 degrees Celsius. The valley has been experiencing rising temperatures and scorching heat over the past few weeks, leading to water shortages in many areas. The health department has come up with advisories to deal with the heatwave conditions.
The school education department has already announced a 10-day summer vacation for the schools in the valley from July 8. The scorching heat has resulted in people staying indoors and has led to an increase in the sales of cooling gadgets like air conditioners, fans and coolers. Commuters are also facing difficulties in travelling, especially in the city traffic and many are making a beeline to car AC service providers to ensure smooth functioning of the car cooling systems.
The weather forecast from July 22 to 26 is mainly clear to partly cloudy skies with brief spells of rain or thundershowers at isolated to scattered places in the Kashmir division, and scattered to fairly widespread places in the Jammu division. From July 27 to 28, the weather forecast is partly to generally cloudy skies with intermittent spells of light to moderate rain or thundershowers at many places. From July 29 to 31, there is a possibility of rain or thundershowers in isolated to scattered places. The intense heat and accompanying weather conditions have prompted an advisory from the authorities.
They said that there is a risk of landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones at vulnerable locations in the Jammu division due to brief but intense showers. Hot and humid weather is expected to prevail until July 26, and the residents have been urged to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. The ongoing heatwave has significantly impacted daily life in Kashmir. Many residents are finding it challenging to cope with the high temperatures, especially in areas like Srinagar, where such intense heat is uncommon. The persistent heat is also affecting agriculture, with farmers worried about the impact on their crops. Health experts have advised people to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and take necessary precautions to prevent heatstroke and dehydration.