SRINAGAR: Kashmir is likely to witness a further rise in temperatures over the next three to four days, with several plains, including Srinagar, expected to experience heatwave-like conditions and maximum temperatures nearing 35 degrees Celsius, a weather forecaster said.
According to the forecast, the hot spell is expected to peak on Friday and Saturday as dry weather continues across the Valley.
Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 32.7 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, while Kupwara recorded 32.3 degrees Celsius and Qazigund 31.6 degrees Celsius. Kukernag recorded 30.8 degrees Celsius, Banihal 30.1 degrees Celsius and Bhaderwah 30.2 degrees Celsius.
Among tourist destinations, Pahalgam recorded 26.8 degrees Celsius and Gulmarg 23.4 degrees Celsius, while Batote registered 28 degrees Celsius.
In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded a maximum temperature of 35 degrees Celsius and Katra 32.7 degrees Celsius.
The forecaster said temperatures across Kashmir are expected to rise further during the next few days, with several plains likely to record maximum temperatures close to or around 35 degrees Celsius.
Dry and hot weather is expected to prevail till the end of August, resulting in warmer-than-normal afternoons across the Valley. Higher reaches, however, are likely to remain comparatively cooler than the plains. (KNO)
Flash floods damage crops, roads in Rajouri’s Thanamandi
Heavy rainfall-triggered flash floods have caused widespread damage to crops, roads and public infrastructure in parts of Thanamandi constituency of Rajouri district, officials and residents said.
The latest spell of rain has particularly affected hilly areas of Thanamandi, where overflowing nallahs damaged road links and agricultural land, disrupting normal life in several villages.
The flooding comes weeks after a cloudburst in the Rajdhani area of Thanamandi subdivision on July 19 triggered flash floods and landslides that claimed four lives and caused extensive damage to houses, roads, vehicles, agricultural land and other infrastructure.
Among the worst-affected roads during the earlier floods was the Thanamandi-DKG-Bufliaz road, a key link connecting Rajouri and Poonch districts.
Residents said agricultural fields and standing crops have suffered losses in several areas, affecting farmers who depend on agriculture for their livelihood.
The recurring incidents have raised concerns over the vulnerability of roads, culverts and other public infrastructure in the mountainous region, which has witnessed repeated damage during extreme weather events.
Meanwhile, water levels rose in several parts of Rajouri on Wednesday after the Dharhali and Saktoh rivers swelled due to continuous rainfall, creating a flood-like situation in some areas. As a precautionary measure, the district administration ordered the closure of government and private schools.
Officials are monitoring the situation as rainfall continues to cause waterlogging and disruption in low-lying areas.
Residents of the affected areas have sought an immediate assessment of losses, restoration of damaged roads and infrastructure, and compensation for affected farmers.
The recent incidents have also highlighted the need for improved drainage systems, protection of vulnerable road stretches and stronger disaster preparedness measures in the hilly areas of Thanamandi. (KNT)
