Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir is enduring an intense heatwave, with the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) urging the administration to close schools.
The Meteorological Centre (MeT) stated that Srinagar reached a maximum of 34.5°C, surpassing the usual temperature by 4.6 degrees. This follows record-breaking temperatures in July, with highs of 35.7°C on July 4 and 35.6°C on July 24, the highest for the month since 2000.
South Kashmir’s Qazigund hit 33°C on Thursday, 5.1 degrees above average, while Pahalgam recorded 31.2°C, exceeding normal by 5.3 degrees.
North Kashmir also faced heat, with Kupwara at 35.1°C and Gulmarg at 24.8°C.
In the Jammu division, Jammu city reached 35.6°C, and Chenab valley’s Bhaderwah saw 32.6°C.
The MeT forecasted brief rain and thunderstorms on July 26 in isolated areas of Kashmir valley and light to moderate rain in Jammu Division.
From July 27-28, weather is expected to be partly cloudy with brief rain and thunderstorms. Heavy rainfall is possible in Jammu Division starting July 27, MeT said.
The heat is likely to persist until July 26 with temperatures ranging between 34-36°C in Kashmir Division, with a major cooling expected from July 29 to August 4, it added.
The extreme temperatures have disrupted life in the region, leading to dried riverbeds and water shortages.
Following the summer break, the school education department has adjusted school hours to 8 am to 1 pm.
The KCCI has urged the administration to close schools until the heatwave subsides, citing concerns from parents and the severe weather conditions.