Srinagar: Srinagar on Friday recorded its hottest day of the season with the mercury touching 35 degrees Celsius, the third-highest maximum temperature recorded in July in the past decade, even as the Meteorological Department forecast a major shift in weather from July 19, warning of heavy rain, flash floods and landslides across parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Meteorological Department data, the maximum temperature in Srinagar settled at 35.0°C, nearly five degrees above normal and higher than the previous July high of 34.5°C recorded on July 10 this year.
Official records show that Friday’s temperature was the third-highest July maximum since 2016, after 37.4°C on July 6, 2025, and 36.2°C on July 29, 2024.
The minimum temperature in Srinagar was 22.0°C, about 3.3 degrees above normal, indicating unusually warm night conditions.
Jammu was the hottest place in the Union Territory at 35.8°C, followed by Srinagar and Kupwara at 35.0°C each. Qazigund recorded 33.2°C, Kokernag 32.9°C, Katra 31.8°C, Bhadarwah 31.5°C and Banihal 30.8°C, while the tourist resorts of Pahalgam and Gulmarg remained relatively cooler at 27.4°C and 25.6°C, respectively.
The MeT Department said hot and humid weather is likely to persist on Saturday, although brief thundershowers may occur at scattered places.
From July 19, weather conditions are expected to change, with rain and thundershowers likely at many places. Heavy rainfall accompanied by brief intense showers is forecast at isolated locations in the Jammu division.
A more active wet spell is expected between July 20 and 22, when widespread rain and thundershowers are likely across Jammu and Kashmir. The department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places in the Jammu division, while some districts in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions may witness intense showers and torrential rain.
Rain activity is likely to continue at many places on July 23 before reducing to isolated spells on July 24 and 25.
The weather department has warned of flash floods, landslides and mudslides in vulnerable areas during July 20-22. It also cautioned that heavy rainfall could cause a significant rise in water levels of rivers and streams, leading to waterlogging and minor flooding in low-lying areas.
The department has advised farmers to suspend agricultural operations during the period of heavy rainfall and urged residents and government agencies to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.
