Srinagar, Jun 21: Kashmir is sweltering under an intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring to record-breaking levels for the third consecutive day.

On Saturday, Srinagar recorded a scorching 34.8 degrees Celsius, 5.6 degrees Celsius above normal, surpassing even the usually hotter Jammu city, which recorded a comparatively cooler 33 degrees Celsius, 4.6 degrees Celsius below normal.

The Meteorological Department data reveals that several other towns in Kashmir experienced similar, if not worse, heat stress.

Qazigund recorded 35 degrees Celsius, 7.6 degrees Celsius above normal, Kokernag followed closely at 34.2 degrees Celsius, 7 degrees Celsius above normal, and Pahalgam resort hit 29.6 degrees Celsius, nearly 5 degrees Celsius above the seasonal average.

Kupwara and Gulmarg weren’t spared either, with the mercury touching 34.5 degrees Celsius and 25.7 degrees Celsius.

While scorching heat is causing widespread discomfort, it is also exacerbating an already concerning crisis – the depletion of water resources across the Valley.

Residents across Srinagar, Anantnag, Pulwama, and parts of south Kashmir have reported reduced water supply.

In rural areas, some families are forced to walk long distances to access safe drinking water.

“This is one of the harshest Junes in recent memory,” said Farooq Ahmad Bhat of Natnusa, Handwara. “Water shortage has started to hit us badly.”

According to the Jammu and Kashmir Jal Shakti Department officials, the prolonged heat spell has led to a sharp decline in natural water sources including springs, streams, and shallow wells.

“Due to the ongoing heatwave and prolonged dry spell, drinking water problems have started to erupt,” an Engineer of the Jal Shakti Department said. “The discharge levels in streams and water supply sources are dropping gradually.”

The Meteorological Department warned that the heatwave is likely to persist for the next few days, aggravating the crisis.

“The high-pressure system dominating the region is causing unusually high temperatures for this time of the year,” MeT officials said. “The gap between maximum temperatures in Kashmir and Jammu is a rare occurrence and a clear indicator of unusual climatic behaviour.”

The intense heatwave has prompted people to seek relief at local water bodies.

Lakes, rivers, and public swimming pools have seen a significant surge in visitors as residents look for ways to escape the oppressive heat.

Children can be seen taking a dip, relaxing under shade, or enjoying cool beverages by the water’s edge.

Authorities have urged people to stay hydrated and avoid peak afternoon hours outdoors.

The sweltering heat has led to a noticeable drop in footfall across markets and public spaces.

Local businesses, especially in open bazaars, report fewer customers during the day as people choose to stay indoors to avoid the heat.

Schools, government offices, and daily commuters are also feeling the brunt, with several institutions advising adjusted schedules or heat safety measures.

Health officials have urged people to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight, and watch for symptoms of heatstroke.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department forecasts little relief in the coming days, warning that the heatwave may persist through the week.

Srinagar, June 21: The 21-day harsh summer period, commonly known as ‘Wahrat’ in Kashmir, commenced on Saturday, with Srinagar – the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir – among other parts of the valley witnessing the hottest day compared to Jammu division.

After the season’s hottest day for two consecutive days, Srinagar witnessed a slight improvement in day temperature as the mercury settled at 34.8 degrees Celsius compared to Friday’s 35.5 degrees.

However, the station was hotter than Jammu where the mercury settled at 33.0 degrees.

As per the details, Kokernag recorded the all-time second hottest June temperature today at 34.2 degrees.

According to an Independent Weather Forecaster, Aadil Maqbool, the previous second-highest June temperature was recorded on June 19, 2025 and 29 June, 1999, at 33.8 degrees Celsius, while the all-time highest-ever June temperature was recorded on 25 June 2005 at 34.9 degrees Celsius.

Qazigund – the gateway of Kashmir – recorded day temperature of 35.0 degrees Celsius while Pahalgam, Kupwara and Gulmarg recorded 29.6 degrees, 34.5 degrees and 25.7 degrees respectively.

Meanwhile, as per another Independent Weather Forecaster, Faizan Arif Keng, Qazigund recorded 35.0 degrees Celsius, the highest June temperature since 1988. This is the third all-time June temperature for Qazigund.

The second all-time highest temperature stands at 35.3°C, recorded on 27 June 1988 and the all-time highest temperature is 35.7°C, recorded on 26 June 1988.

Srinagar has surpassed the previous records, as the night temperature also witnessed an increase in Kashmir. It recorded the 4th all-time highest night temperature in 134 years at 23.2°C.

According to Keng, temperature is also the highest since 24 June 1990, when a minimum night temperature of 23.6°C was recorded. Moreover, 23.2°C was also recorded on 15 June 2008. The all-time highest minimum night temperature in June stands at 24.6°C, recorded on 29 June 1978.

Meanwhile, Director of MeT, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, said that generally cloudy weather with intermittent spells of rain and thundershowers is expected at many places till tomorrow.

He added that on June 23 and 24, the weather is expected to remain dry, with a brief spell of light rain and thundershowers at isolated places. From June 25 to 27, generally cloudy weather with the possibility of intermittent light to moderate rain and thundershowers at many places is forecasted.

The MeT has also issued an advisory, urging farmers to continue farm operations until June 20.

According to the advisory, there is a possibility of moderate to heavy rain with intense showers at a few places, mainly in Jammu division, on June 21 and 22. “Flash floods are expected at a few places, along with landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones,” it added. (KNO)

Anantnag, Jun 21: Irrigation supply to dozens of villages in south Kashmir was restored Saturday, bringing much-needed relief to hundreds of farmers on the final day of paddy transplantation.

The water supply had been disrupted following a major breach in the Awantipora Canal at Waghama-Bijbehara late Monday night, affecting more than 2,500 hectares of paddy land across Anantnag and Pulwama districts. The 50-meter-wide breach sparked panic among farming communities dependent on the canal and left many fearing crop failure and a severe blow to their livelihoods. “It was quite a herculean task, but our team worked day and night to restore the supply,” an irrigation department official said.

The water was restored just in time to meet the critical June 21 deadline for completing paddy transplantation. “This is our only crop of the year. If the supply hadn’t resumed, we would have been ruined,” said Javed Ahmad, a farmer from Waghama. “We are thankful to the department. Our hard work won’t go waste now.”

Villages including Marhama, Buliyar, K. Pora, Parigam, Panjpora, Chachkoot, Charsoo, Beighpora, and Hari received water on Saturday, giving hope to farmers who had been on edge all week. “The water in the canal has given a new lease of life,” said Shakil Ahmad of Hari village.

The canal breach also reignited concerns over poor maintenance and unregulated activities along the embankments. Dr Bashir Ahmad Veeri, the local MLA from Bijbehara, praised the engineers and workers who repaired the breach. He has blamed soil extraction and the movement of heavy dumpers along canal roads for weakening the embankments. The breach also damaged a portion of a recently built PMGSY road, disrupting connectivity to several remote villages.

“It will take some time to restore road access,” an official said.