At 37.4°C, Srinagar records highest July temperature in over 70 years

Srinagar on Saturday recorded its highest July temperature in over seven decades, with the mercury soaring to 37.4°C, the Meteorological (MeT) department said.

According to a statement from the MeT office, this is the third-highest maximum temperature ever recorded in Srinagar. The second-highest was 37.7°C on July 5, 1953, while the all-time record stands at 38.3°C, recorded on July 10, 1946.

In South Kashmir, Kokernag also experienced its second-highest ever July temperature, touching 34°C on Saturday. The highest temperature for the month at this station was 34.1°C, recorded recently on July 28, 2024.

Kashmir has been reeling under intense heat for several days, with day temperatures consistently breaking previous records. The persistent heatwave has particularly affected farmers across the Valley, adding to their difficulties.

However, weather officials have forecast some relief. Scattered light to moderate rain and thundershowers are expected across the Union Territory within the next 24 hours.

From July 6 to July 8, the MeT department has predicted generally cloudy weather with the possibility of intermittent light to moderate rain or thunderstorms at many places.

“A few locations, especially in the Jammu Division, may receive intense showers or heavy rain, mainly during late night or early morning hours,” the department said.

For July 9 and 10, light to moderate rain or thundershowers are likely at several places, the weather advisory added.