Srinagar, Aug 31: Jammu and Kashmir recorded no heatwave days during August, even as large parts of the country experienced unusually high temperatures, with intermittent rain, cloud cover and persistent moisture keeping the weather pleasant across the Union Territory.
According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in previous years has linked prolonged heat spells to deficient rainfall and subdued monsoon activity, which allow temperatures to rise sharply.
An official of the Meteorological Department told KNO that the weather pattern remained more variable through much of the August month, with repeated spells of rain and thunderstorms providing temporary relief from rising temperatures. “Several parts of the Kashmir division received light to moderate rainfall at different intervals, while the Jammu region also witnessed episodes of heavy rain, particularly in districts such as Reasi, Udhampur and Jammu,” he said, adding, “The intermittent precipitation was accompanied by cloud cover, which limited solar heating during the day and prevented temperatures from remaining elevated for prolonged periods.”
“Although temperatures rose during the latter part of August, conditions remained largely hot and humid rather than developing into a sustained heatwave,” he said, adding, “Srinagar recorded a monthly maximum of around 33.5 degrees Celsius, with high humidity adding to the discomfort. The combination of moisture and cloud cover, however, helped restrict the duration and intensity of the heat.”
The official said that weather patterns during the month also saw brief but intense showers in different areas, often occurring during the morning or late afternoon. “These spells helped bring down temperatures before a prolonged build-up of heat could occur,” he added.
“The contrast highlights the importance of rainfall distribution and cloud cover in determining local heat conditions. Even when temperatures rise, sustained heatwave conditions require prolonged periods of excessive maximum temperatures, and the prevailing atmospheric moisture and rainfall over J&K repeatedly interrupted such a pattern,” the official said.
Meanwhile, the weather office has forecast further spells of rain and thunderstorms in parts of J&K in the beginning of September, with isolated intense showers also possible.
While the absence of heatwave days provided relief from extreme heat, authorities have continued to caution residents about weather-related risks associated with intense rainfall, including flash floods, mudslides and landslides in vulnerable areas. (KNO)
