With no respite from the scorching heat, the summer capital of Srinagar recorded temperatures touching 36 degrees Celsius today, remaining above 35 degrees for the third consecutive day.
The soaring temperatures have created tough conditions for the people in the valley, with many seeking relief by swimming, enjoying ice creams, or staying indoors.
The Kashmir Valley is likely to experience the hottest day of the season today, according to independent weather forecaster Faizan Bashir from Srinagar.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, stated that maximum temperatures are likely to peak across the Valley on Saturday. “The heatwave is expected to subside from Sunday onwards as rainfall is anticipated,” he added.
With temperatures reaching new highs and no immediate relief from the hot and humid conditions, the Jammu and Kashmir government is considering extending the ongoing summer vacation in schools, particularly for students up to the primary level.
Jammu and Kashmir’s Education Minister, Sakina Itoo, said that the government will make a final decision regarding a possible extension of summer vacations on Sunday, taking into account the ongoing heatwave that has gripped the entire valley.
Speaking to reporters, Sakina Itoo acknowledged the growing concerns from students and parents, and said that the department has been receiving numerous calls requesting an extension of the summer break. “We have received many phone calls from worried parents and students urging us to consider extending the summer vacations due to the persistent heatwave,” adding that a final decision in this regard will be made on Sunday after assessing the weather conditions, as the meteorological department has predicted a spell of rainfall starting July 6.
According to a detailed forecast issued by the MeT department in Srinagar, from July 6 to 8, the weather is expected to remain generally cloudy with the possibility of intermittent light to moderate rain or thundershowers at many places in Jammu and Kashmir. Some areas may experience intense showers with heavy rain at isolated locations in Jammu Division.
From July 9 to 10, light to moderate rain is expected at scattered to many places, while July 11 and 12 may see a return of hot and humid weather with brief showers at some locations.
