HM Desk
The Valley is witnessing record breaking severe heatwave. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 34.2°C, 6.0°C above normal and the second highest in September since 1891
Dry weather and above normal temperatures in Kashmir over seven weeks have adversely affected horticulture production, particularly apple, but have proved good for paddy crop, experts said. The weather has also led to a fall in the water level of Jhelum and other water bodies.
The Valley is experiencing high temperatures with heatwave to severe heatwave at Qazigund and Kokernag. In Kokernag and Qazigund, the temperatures are being recorded around 6°C above normal between 31.5°C and 32.5°C. Similarly, other stations of Kashmir, including summer capital Srinagar, are recording between 32°C and 33.5°C, around 4°C above normal. On Tuesday, the Valley saw record breaking severe heatwave. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 34.2°C, 6.0°C above normal and the second highest tally in September since 1891.
The size and colour has not developed fully, causing the quality to deteriorate. In coming days, we will witness the fruit production to reduce particularly that of red delicious apple and its other varieties.
Indian meteorological department’s J&K director Sonam Lotus said that the weather has remained hot and dry with little or no moisture due to stable atmospheric conditions.
“During prolonged dry spell, it is natural to experience high day temperatures,” he said.
MeT deputy director Mukhtar Ahmad said that the main reason for the dry and hot weather was El Nino, a weather phenomenon where temperatures increase globally as warm surface waters from the west move east in the Pacific. “Since monsoon was weak, the weather remains dry,” he said. He added that the department does not expect major rain spells till September 20.
“There may be cloudy weather on September 17 and 18, rest there will be no major change,” he said.
The valley witnessed major deficiency in rainfall in August and September, Srinagar recording lowest rainfall in 25 years in August.
However, there is relief for the paddy farmers as the weather conditions have proved good for the crop. Paddy is a summer crop there was alternate wetting and drying this year, the crop has achieved good growth. It is at yellow stage and some parts may start harvesting the crop in next 10 days.
Tourism stakeholders say that the inflow tourists to Kashmir is good and the weather has not had a major impact.
