Kashmir remains cool as heat wave grips country

By: Afaq Bhat
Srinagar: As most parts of the country recorded the hottest April in 122 years, Kashmir remained cool recording brief spells of rain and light to moderate snowfall in some areas.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Northwest and Central India recorded average maximum temperatures reaching 35.9 and 37.78 degrees Celsius respectively.
According to Faizan Arif Keng— an independent weatherman— Kashmir will receive multiple short spells of rain in the next 10 days. “In the seasonal forecasts, weather models have indicated ‘below normal’ to ‘normal’ rainfall in May with above normal temperatures,” Faizan said.
He said, “Between March 1 & April  27,2022, J&K received 36.6 mm of rainfall.”
He has predicted that due to lack of any major spell, above-normal temperatures may dominate on most of the days, thus increasing the melting rate of snow. “We have reached a point when the melting of snow isn’t causing an increase in the water level of Jhelum, since most of the snow in higher reaches (especially lower areas) has already completely melted,” he added.
An observer while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “Due to weather remaining pleasant in the Valley tourists from different parts of the country are arriving in Kashmir to take a break from heat wave.”
It’s in place to mention here that Kashmir not witnessing any major snow spell this year is making people believe that summer could be hot. Till date summer has not arrived in Kashmir. Air-Conditioners and fans haven’t been switched on as yet.
The increase in footfall of tourists is good news for the tourism players in Kashmir. The hotels are booked and in coming days more visitors are expected to arrive.
In Kashmir weather is pleasant but Jammu region has been facing a scorching heat.  The temperature in Jammu City is hovering around 40 C. On April 28, Jammu recorded a maximum temperature of 41.0°C which was the highest of this season so far and also the 2nd highest since 2011. The city had previously recorded a maximum temperature of 42.3°C on 17 April 2010 and 41.7°C on 21 April 2017.
The tourism stakeholders are hoping that Kashmir remains cool so that the people from other parts of the country keep on coming. In April month Srinagar Airport has remained one of the busiest places in the city as a record number of flights have landed and taken off from there.