Srinagar, Jun 28: Kashmir continued to reel under an intense heatwave on Sunday, with Srinagar recording the season’s highest maximum temperature of 33.8 degrees Celsius, while the Meteorological Department forecast relief from the prevailing hot conditions with widespread rainfall expected from July 1.
According to the Meteorological Department, Qazigund recorded 33.2 degrees Celsius, Kupwara 32.3 degrees Celsius, Kokernag 31.9 degrees Celsius, Banihal 31.6 degrees Celsius, Batote 29.5 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam 27.7 degrees Celsius and Gulmarg 24.8 degrees Celsius. In the Jammu division, Jammu city recorded 37.0 degrees Celsius, Katra 35.6 degrees Celsius and Bhaderwah 32.0 degrees Celsius.
Officials said generally dry weather is expected to continue across Jammu and Kashmir until the end of June.
They said a significant change in weather is likely between July 1 and July 4 as a fresh Western Disturbance, interacting with advancing monsoon winds, is expected to affect the Union Territory.
The weather system is likely to bring widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, gusty winds, lightning and isolated hailstorms across several parts of Jammu and Kashmir. While the wet spell is expected to provide relief from the ongoing heatwave and bring down temperatures, officials cautioned that heavy showers and strong winds could cause localized disruptions in vulnerable areas.
The Meteorological Department has advised residents, particularly those living in flood-prone and hilly areas, to remain alert and follow official weather advisories.
