Temperature rises to 36.2 degrees Celsius in Kashmir, highest ever recorded in July in 25 years

The India Meteorological Department on July 28 recorded Kashmir's highest temperature in 25 years for July as the mercury soared to 36.2 degrees Celsius.

The temperatures recorded at several places were above the normal range. The meteorological observatory in Srinagar recorded maximum temperatures of 36.2 degrees which was above normal by 6.3 degrees. Qazigund and Kukernag weather stations also saw the highest-ever day temperatures of 35.6 and 34.1 degrees respectively.

The temperatures in the two places were above the normal range by 7.7 and 8.7 degrees respectively indicating a severe heatwave.

The temperature in Srinagar on July 28 was the highest for this month since 1999, said Mukhtar Ahmad, director of the weather office in the capital city.

The highest maximum temperature ever recorded in July was 38.3 degrees on July 10, 1946, the second highest was 37 degrees on July 9, 1999, the third highest of 36.6 degrees in 1997 and the fourth highest of 36.2 degrees on Sunday, Ahmad said.

The valley is witnessing drought-like conditions this month with the dried riverbed of Jhelum becoming prominent at many places. Hundreds of people in central Kashmir’s Budgam went to the shrine of a Sufi saint to pray for rain.

The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir is facing a rainfall deficit for the month of June and July, particularly in the Himalayan valley with most districts recording 60% to 70% deficit rainfall.

Srinagar has received just 33 mm of rainfall between June 1 and July 24 as opposed to the usual 101 mm. Similarly, Shopian in south Kashmir recorded 20.8 mm against a normal of 107 mm, while Anantnag saw 55 mm of rain against the normal 138.7 mm.

Meanwhile, all government and private schools up to primary classes have been suspended for two days. The divisional administration of Kashmir ordered a suspension of class work for primary students on July 29 and 30.

As per the issue, all the teaching and non-teaching staff will continue to attend their duties as usual.

The order came after persistent demands from the parents for another summer vacation as the students were not able to bear the heatwave.

Earlier, the Directorates of School Education Kashmir and Jammu divisions ordered a change in school timings and the new timing was fixed from 8 am to 1 pm for schools up to higher secondary level.

The temperature is expected to significantly decline from July 29, the weatherman has predicted.