Kashmir continues to reel under an intense heat wave, with Srinagar recording a maximum temperature of 35.3°C, making it the hottest day of the summer so far.
The Meteorological Department has forecast that the scorching weather will persist for the next 48 hours, with daytime temperatures expected to remain between 33.5°C and 34°C across the Valley.
Director of the Meteorological Department, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, said the southwest monsoon is likely to enter Jammu and Kashmir within the next 72 hours, with the first spell of rainfall expected to begin on July 1.
He warned that July 2 and July 3 could witness heavy to very heavy rainfall, particularly across the Jammu region, where some districts may experience intense downpours over a short period. Such conditions could trigger flash floods, landslides, mudslides, and waterlogging, especially in vulnerable and low-lying areas.
Dr. Ahmad advised residents to remain alert and follow official weather advisories as the monsoon advances. He noted that the monsoon has already covered parts of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand and is expected to progress further into the northern Himalayan region before entering Jammu and Kashmir.
On the current weather conditions, he said there is no significant weather system active over Kashmir for the next 40 hours, and the Valley will continue to experience dry and unusually hot conditions, with only isolated afternoon activity.
Issuing an advisory for the farming community, the MeT Department said farmers may continue field preparation and paddy transplantation activities but should avoid irrigation from July 1 onwards. Spraying of pesticides and fertilizers should be carried out only during the morning and evening hours.
The department has urged the public to stay updated through official weather bulletins and take necessary precautions during both the ongoing heatwave and the expected heavy rainfall.
