After days of extreme heat, Kashmir likely to receive rain from Sunday

July 5, 2025 by News Desk

A severe heatwave continues to grip Kashmir, with night temperatures reaching record highs and daytime temperatures crossing 35°C in multiple districts.

Relief, however, may be in sight as the Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall starting Sunday — raising fears of flash floods, landslides, and waterlogging in vulnerable areas.

Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 24.5°C on Friday night — the fourth-highest ever recorded in the city for July.

Only three warmer July nights have been recorded: 25.2°C on July 21, 1988; 24.8°C on July 29, 2024; and 24.6°C on July 28, 2024.

In Qazigund, the night temperature rose to 23.4°C — breaking its previous July record of 22.8°C set in 1997. Pahalgam, known for its cool climate, registered 20.0°C — the second-highest for July after 2013’s 20.2°C.

Kokernag, another well-known tourist spot in south Kashmir, recorded a minimum of 21.8°C, just behind the all-time July high of 22.6°C on July 2, 2005.

The unusually warm nights are being compounded by extreme daytime heat. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 35.3°C on Friday, just shy of the summer’s peak of 35.5°C on June 24. Kupwara was even hotter, hitting 35.4°C.

According to the Meteorological Centre in Srinagar, Saturday will continue to be hot and humid, with a chance of light to moderate rain or thunderstorms late at night or early morning. A significant change in weather is expected from Sunday (July 6) onward.

“Between July 6 and 8, generally cloudy skies with intermittent moderate to heavy rain are expected in many areas of Kashmir and Jammu,” the MeT department said in its latest update. Some regions, especially in the Jammu division, could witness intense rainfall.

The department has issued an advisory for flash floods, landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones in sensitive zones. “Water levels in rivers and streams are likely to rise, and low-lying areas may experience waterlogging,” it warned.

Farmers have been advised to suspend irrigation and avoid fieldwork during this period to prevent damage from the anticipated rainfall.

The weather is expected to improve slightly by July 9–10, with light to moderate showers at scattered locations. On July 11–12, hot and humid conditions may return, along with brief spells of rain in some areas.

The abrupt shift from intense heat to potentially hazardous weather has placed both residents and authorities on alert.

People living in hilly areas or near water bodies have been urged to exercise caution during the rain spell.