Srinagar, Aug 7 : The July 2024 was the second hottest month in Srinagar’s history with the average temperatures recorded at 26.6°C, says an independent weather observer Faizan arif.

“The average temperatures recorded in July 2024 were 26.6°C, falling short by only 0.1°C compared to the hottest July of 1944”, Faizan told UNI.

The average minimum temperatures in July 2024 were 20.2°C, compared to 20.6°C in 2022 and the all-time high of 20.7°C in 1944.

Moreover, Qazigund and Kokernag in south Kashmir likely recorded their hottest July temperatures ever.

On average, above normal temperatures are expected to continue for the next 10 – 15 days at least.

“Global Warming is the actual reason why we witness above normal temperatures throughout the world”, Faizan said and added “this July saw an average daytime temperature of 33.0°C, with only two years, in 1946 at 33.1°C and in 1934 at 33.7°C, being hotter”.

Srinagar also recorded the hottest day temperature at 36.2°C on July 28 and since July 9, 1999, when the mercury had settled at 37 degrees Celsius. The hottest day in July in Srinagar was recorded on July 10, 1946, with the mercury rising to 38.3 degrees Celsius.

Srinagar also experienced the 3rd minimum hottest temperature recorded at 24.6°C on the intervening night of July 27/28 in 132 years.

The 2nd all-time highest minimum temperature was recorded on July 26, 2021 at 24.8°C while on July 21, 1988, the minimum temperature was recorded at 25.2°C.

There was a 3.69 percent rain deficit during the months of June and July, Faizan said. He said the absence of strong moisture laden monsoon winds is the primary reason for the below normal rainfall in Kashmir valley.

The other weather stations of the Kashmir valley including Qazigund and Kokernag also recorded their hottest July temperatures ever.

Meanwhile, the hot and humid weather conditions are likely to continue in Kashmir valley for the next fortnight, he said.

“Except for a couple of days when a rain spell may occur, overall hot and humid weather conditions are expected to continue during the next 10 to 15 days in Kashmir valley”, he added.

UNI