Srinagar, 30 June: ANB; Several parts of the Kashmir Valley experienced sweltering heat today, with maximum temperatures soaring well above normal levels. According to data compiled by Kashmir Weather, Srinagar recorded a scorching 34.5°C, which is 4.9°C above the normal for this time of year. Qazigund and Pahalgam followed closely with 33.6°C (+6.1°C) and 30.2°C (+5.5°C) respectively, while Kupwara saw 34.2°C, 4.2°C above normal. Even the usually cool Kokernag and Gulmarg recorded 33.6°C (+3.3°C) and 25.0°C (+3.0°C), indicating a widespread heatwave across the region. In contrast, the Jammu region witnessed slightly milder conditions, with Jammu city logging 32.3°C, which is 3.7°C below normal. Other stations, including Banihal (29.8°C, +1.0°C) and Batote (28.3°C, +0.9°C), remained near seasonal averages. However, Bhaderwah and Katra recorded below-normal temperatures at 32.1°C (-1.7°C) and 30.2°C (-2.7°C) respectively, offering some relief from the June heat. Meanwhile, in Ladakh, Leh recorded 28.1°C and Kargil stood at 30.8°C, maintaining the region's characteristic dry warmth. Weather experts attribute the unusual temperature spike in Kashmir to prevailing dry conditions and weak western disturbances, warning of continued heat stress if the pattern persists. ANB
