By: Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Jul 17: Srinagar on Friday recorded its hottest day of the season so far as the mercury touched 35 degrees Celsius, while the Meteorological Department predicted a major shift in weather pattern from July 19, warning of heavy rainfall, flash floods and landslides in parts of Jammu and Kashmir next week.
MeT Department’s data revealed that maximum temperature in Srinagar settled at 35.0 degrees Celsius, nearly five degrees above normal and higher than the previous July high of 34.5 degrees Celsius recorded on July 10.
Official records show the day’s maximum was the third-highest July temperature recorded in Srinagar since 2016, after 37.4 degrees Celsius on July 6, 2025, and 36.2 degrees Celsius on July 29, 2024.
The minimum temperature in the city was recorded at 22.0 degrees Celsius, around 3.3 degrees above normal, reflecting unusually warm night conditions.
Elsewhere, Jammu was the hottest place in the Union Territory at 35.8 degrees Celsius, followed by Srinagar and Kupwara at 35.0 degrees each. Qazigund recorded 33.2 degrees Celsius, Kokernag 32.9 degrees, Bhadarwah 31.5 degrees, Katra 31.8 degrees and Banihal 30.8 degrees, while the tourist resorts of Pahalgam and Gulmarg registered comparatively cooler maximum temperatures of 27.4 degrees and 25.6 degrees Celsius, respectively.
The weather department said hot and humid conditions are likely to continue on Saturday, with brief thundershowers possible at scattered places.
From July 19, weather conditions are expected to change, with rain and thundershowers likely at many places. Heavy rainfall accompanied by brief intense showers is forecast at isolated locations in the Jammu division.
A more active wet spell is expected between July 20 and 22, when widespread rain and thundershowers are likely across Jammu and Kashmir. The department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places in the Jammu division, while some districts in both divisions could witness intense showers and torrential rain.
Rain activity is expected to persist at many places on July 23 before easing to isolated spells on July 24 and 25.
The MeT Department has warned of flash floods, landslides and mudslides in vulnerable areas during July 20-22. It also cautioned that heavy rainfall could lead to a significant rise in water levels in rivers and streams, resulting in waterlogging and minor flooding in low-lying areas.
Farmers have been advised to suspend agricultural operations during the period of heavy rainfall, while residents and government agencies have been asked to remain alert and plan their activities accordingly. (KNO)
