Kashmir sees highest temperature in 25 years

Adil Akhzer

Srinagar, July 5

As Kashmir valley witnessed maximum temperatures this week that were highest in over two decades, weather experts are blaming climate change and extended dry spells behind the scorching weather in the valley.

This week, summer capital Srinagar and other parts of the valley saw scorching temperatures, with weather turning extremely hot and humid.

Experts blame climate change

The rising temperatures can have an impact on every field including farming and electricity. Climate change is also a major factor behind the present situation. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director, Meteorological centre, Srinagar

On Thursday, Srinagar recorded maximum temperature of 35.7 degrees Celsius — six notches above normal and the highest in 25 years, according to the Meteorological Department.

“Such high temperatures in the valley were never seen in Kashmir in recent years… this is not a good sign,” MeT’s local centre director Mukhtar Ahmad told The Tribune.

He said temperatures are rising because of extended dry spells in the region and there has been less rainfall during the summer.

“In winter as well, we saw dry weather. So overall, there have been extreme weather events taking place,” said Ahmad.

He also said that less Western Disturbances recently have led to higher maximum temperatures.

According to Ahmad, the rising temperatures — an uncharted territory for the people in the valley — could have an impact on every field including farming and electricity.

“When there will be shortage of water, we will have problems in every sector…on paddy crop, generation of electricity,” said Ahmad. “Climate change is also a major factor behind the present situation.”

Mahesh Palawat, vice-president of Skymet Weather, told The Tribune that Srinagar and nearby areas saw heatwave this year, which was not a common phenomenon in the previous years.

“This is a visible sign of climate change,” he said, adding that there have been erratic weather patterns observed in the country.

He also noted that temperatures in Srinagar have seen an increase because there has been less rainfall. “We saw in the winter in Srinagar, there was late snowfall and the weather remained dry for a longer time,” he said.

The scorching weather in the valley is now prompting people to look for solutions. Many residents say they have purchased air-conditioners and even coolers to beat the heat.

“It doesn’t feel that I am living in Srinagar. The humid and hot weather reminds me of the weather in Delhi,” said Abdul Bais, a Srinagar resident. “I had to purchase an air-conditioner this week after unbearable high temperatures,” he said.

The Weather Department, on Friday, predicted a possibility of intermittent moderate rainfall at most places of Jammu and Kashmir with heavy showers at few places on Thursday and Friday.