Srinagar, Aug 01: The heatwave in Kashmir persisted on Wednesday, pushing temperatures to record highs and causing water shortages in many areas of the Valley.
Kupwara experienced the highest temperature at 35.3 degrees Celsius, closely followed by Srinagar at 35.1 degrees Celsius. Other recorded temperatures included 33 degrees Celsius in Qazigund, 30.8 degrees Celsius in Pahalgam, 32.3 degrees Celsius in Kokernag, 24 degrees Celsius in Gulmarg, and 36.2 degrees Celsius in Jammu.
The Meteorological Department has indicated that there will be no significant rainfall to alleviate the intense heat anytime soon. This ongoing heatwave has worsened the depletion of water bodies across Kashmir, leading to a significant water shortage crisis.
In response, the government has been supplying drinking water through tankers to the affected areas. The drying up of rivers, lakes, and springs—which are crucial for both agriculture and daily life—has raised concerns among residents and authorities.
The weather forecast offers some hope, with predictions of generally cloudy conditions and intermittent light to moderate rain and thundershowers in many parts of the Kashmir division and most parts of the Jammu division from August 1 to 5. Additional rain and thundershowers are expected in scattered areas between August 6 and 7, with isolated showers from August 8 to 10.
The region looks forward to the forecasted rainfall, hoping it will bring much-needed relief without causing further issues.
