Kashmir reels under heatwave

Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, June 21: Kashmir is reeling under heatwave conditions and it was the hottest day of the season today with temperature recording 34 degree Celsius in Srinagar.
A Meteorological Department official said the maximum temperature in Srinagar soared to 34.0°C and it was 4.8°C above normal for the season. Today’s temperature surpassed the previous highest of 33.3°C recorded only yesterday.
Previous records of maximum temperature in the month of June for Srinagar was 35° Celsius on 3rd June 2018. All time highest maximum temperature recorded in June is 37.8°C on 29th June 1978.
Other places including Pahalgam with 28.4°C, Qazigund with 33.0°C, Kokernag with 31.5°C, Kupwara with 33.1°C and Gulmarg with 24.6°C also recorded the hottest day of the season so far.
The official said mainly dry weather was expected “but a brief spell of shower and thunderstorm at one or two places towards late afternoon or evening can’t be ruled out”. He said that the current hot and dry conditions are likely to continue till 23rd June.
“From June 24-28, generally cloudy weather with intermittent light to moderate thundershower at fairly widespread places has been forecast. Few places over Jammu division may receive intense showers for a short period,” he added.
Also, minimum temperature recorded an increase at most places and settled above normal in Kashmir.
Srinagar recorded a low of 19.7°C against 18.2°C the previous night and it was above normal by 3.9°C for city.
Qazigund recorded a low of 17.4°C against 16.2°C the previous night and it was above normal by 3.1°C for the gateway town.
Pahalgam recorded a low of 10.6°C against 9.1°C the previous night and it was 1.5°C above normal for the tourist resort.
In Kupwara town, the mercury settled at 16.5°C against 14.1°C the previous night and it was above normal by 2.4°C for the town.
Kokernag recorded a low of 18.0°C against 15.4°C the previous night and it was 3.9°C above normal for the place.
Gulmarg recorded a low of 13.6°C against 10.2°C previous night and it was above normal by 3.9°C for the skiing.