Heatwave shatters temperature records across Kashmir

SRINAGAR — Kashmir is reeling from a record-breaking heatwave that has pushed temperatures to unprecedented levels, according to independent weather forecaster Kashmir Weather.

On July 28, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 36.2°C, marking the sixth-highest July temperature since records began in 1893. Historical data reveals that the previous records were 38.3°C on July 10, 1946; 37.7°C on July 5, 1953; 37.0°C on July 9, 1999; 36.6°C on July 19, 1997; and 36.4°C on July 24, 1967.

Qazigund shattered its all-time highest temperature record, reaching 35.6°C, surpassing the previous record of 34.5°C set on July 11, 1988. Similarly, Kokernag experienced its highest-ever temperature of 34.1°C, breaking its prior record of 33.5°C set just earlier this month on July 22, 2024.

The extreme heat wave brought more startling figures, with Srinagar’s real feel temperature soaring to 39.5°C. Qazigund’s record-breaking temperature was 1.1°C higher than its previous peak, and Kokernag’s temperature exceeded its record by 0.6°C.

The temperature departures from normal were significant, with Qazigund at 7.7°C above average and Kokernag at an extraordinary 8.7°C above normal.

In the Kashmir region, Srinagar recorded 36.2°C, Qazigund 35.6°C, Pahalgam 30.1°C, Kupwara 35.8°C, Kokernag 34.1°C, Gulmarg 25.6°C, Anantnag 35.4°C, Bandipora 34.3°C, Baramulla 34.4°C, Sonamarg 29.8°C, Budgam 35.0°C, Pulwama 33.5°C, Shopian 34.4°C. Ganderbal and Kulgam had faulty readings.

In the Jammu region, Jammu recorded 32.0°C, Banihal 34.0°C, Batote 29.8°C, Bhaderwah 33.2°C, Katra 31.0°C, Udhampur 33.8°C, Kathua 38.4°C, Kishtwar 35.0°C, Samba 37.6°C, and Reasi 34.3°C. Ramban, Poonch, and Rajouri had faulty readings.

In Ladakh, Leh recorded 33.5°C, Kargil 37.5°C, and Drass 30.1°C.