Heatwave Grips Kashmir as Srinagar, Kupwara Sizzle at 35°C

*Hot, Humid Conditions Persist Across J&K; Srinagar 4.9°C Above Normal, Qazigund and Kokernag Record Highest Positive Departure*

Kashmir continued to reel under intense heatwave conditions on Friday, with Srinagar and Kupwara recording a scorching maximum temperature of 35.0°C, while several stations across Jammu and Kashmir remained significantly warmer than normal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

As per the weather parameters issued by the Meteorological Centre Srinagar ad per news agency, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 35.0°C, which is 4.9°C above normal, while the minimum settled at 22.0°C, 3.3°C above the seasonal average.

Qazigund recorded 33.2°C, which is 5.2°C above normal, while Kokernag registered 32.9°C, the highest positive departure of 5.3°C above normal. Kupwara also touched 35.0°C, remaining 4.1°C above normal.

Tourist destinations also witnessed warmer-than-normal conditions, with Pahalgam recording 27.4°C and Gulmarg 25.6°C, both above their respective normal temperatures.

In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded 35.8°C, while Banihal recorded 30.8°C, Batote 27.4°C, Katra 31.8°C, and Bhaderwah 31.5°C.

The IMD data showed that no rainfall was recorded at any of the major weather stations in Jammu and Kashmir during the observation period, further contributing to the prevailing hot and humid weather conditions.

The Meteorological Department has already forecast generally hot and humid weather over the next two days, with rain activity expected to increase from July 19 onwards. (JKNS)