Srinagar, Jul 18 (KNO): Srinagar on Saturday recorded the hottest day of the season as the mercury climbed to 35.9 degrees Celsius, nearly six degrees above normal, even as the Meteorological Department forecast a significant shift in weather with widespread rainfall, thunderstorms and the possibility of heavy to very heavy showers across Jammu and Kashmir over the next five days.
According to the data accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) the maximum temperature in the summer capital was 5.8 degrees Celsius above normal, making it the highest daytime temperature recorded so far this year. However, it remained below last year's peak of 37.4 degrees Celsius, recorded on July 6, 2025.
An official said that the prolonged spell of intense heat continued across much of Kashmir, with several stations also recording temperatures well above seasonal averages. Kupwara registered 35.6 degrees Celsius, Ganderbal and Baramulla 34.5 degrees Celsius each, Shopian 34.4 degrees Celsius, Pulwama 33.4 degrees Celsius, Kokernag 33.1 degrees Celsius, Bandipora 32.7 degrees Celsius, Qazigund 32.6 degrees Celsius, while the famous hill resort of Gulmarg recorded 25.6 degrees Celsius.
In the Jammu division, Jammu city recorded 35 degrees Celsius, Kathua 34.8 degrees Celsius, Poonch 33.9 degrees Celsius, Udhampur 31.8 degrees Celsius, Rajouri 31.1 degrees Celsius and Katra 31 degrees Celsius.
MET PREDICTS WIDESPREAD RAINFALL FROM TODAY
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department said the prevailing hot and dry weather is likely to give way to widespread rain and thundershowers from July 19 to July 23.
According to the department, generally cloudy skies with intermittent spells of rain and thunderstorms are expected across the Union Territory during the period. A few places may witness intense showers, heavy rainfall and isolated torrential downpours, particularly during the late afternoon, evening and overnight hours.
The MeT office has issued a warning for several districts, saying the risk of weather-related hazards will increase during the forecast period. Reasi and Udhampur districts are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, with isolated locations likely to experience extremely heavy rain.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall has also been forecast for parts of Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Rajouri, Doda, Ramban and Kishtwar districts.
Officials cautioned that the expected rainfall could trigger flash floods, landslides, mudslides, a sharp rise in water levels of rivers and streams, waterlogging in low-lying areas and localized flooding, particularly during periods of intense precipitation.
The weather is expected to improve from July 24, although a few places may continue to receive brief spells of rain or thundershowers till July 27.
The department has advised people to avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable areas during heavy rain, follow official weather advisories and remain alert to changing conditions. Farmers have also been asked to suspend agricultural operations during the forecast period to minimize losses—(KNO)