- Srinagar records hottest July day in over 70 years as heatwave grips Kashmir

By Nusrat Sidiq

SRINAGAR, Jammu and Kashmir (AA) – Srinagar on Saturday recorded its highest July temperature in more than 70 years as a severe heatwave continued to grip Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, drying up water sources and triggering health warnings.

The capital city registered a maximum temperature of 37.4°C (99.3°F), the third-highest July reading since 1892, according to the regional meteorological department.

The all-time July record stands at 38.3°C, set on July 10, 1946. Saturday's reading was just below the second-highest temperature of 37.7°C recorded on July 5, 1953, said Mukhtar Ahmad, head of the local meteorological office.

Other parts of the region also witnessed extreme heat. South Kashmir’s Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination and base camp for the ongoing Hindu pilgrimage, logged its highest-ever July temperature at 31.6°C, surpassing the previous record of 31.5°C set on July 21, 2024.

The region has already recorded its hottest June since 1978. With the heat showing no signs of easing, agricultural fields are drying up, streams are flowing at low levels, and major water bodies are shrinking.

“There is a possibility of rain in the coming week at scattered places, but hot and humid conditions will persist,” Ahmad said.

Health officials have issued advisories urging residents to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and take precautions against heat-related illnesses.