Rains bring much-needed relief from intense heat in Kashmir

Torrential rains drenched Kashmir valley on Monday bringing some momentary relief in the hot weather conditions prevailing in the Himalayan region for the past more than a month.

- Ashiq Hussain

The rains started in the afternoon in parts of Pahalgam in South Kashmir, Srinagar in Central Kashmir and Handwara in North Kashmir. However, by late evening heavy rains lashed most parts of the valley, including northern Baramulla district and majority of the city.

“The rains have brought a welcome relief from the intense hot weather in Kashmir. At many places people came out to drench in the rains even though the intensity of the rains was so severe,” said Arif Ahmad, a resident of Srinagar.

There were hailstorms and gusty winds in various parts of the city. “Strong winds uprooted a tree between Batwara and Pandrethan, which crashed onto an e-rickshaw causing damage while the road continues to remain blocked,” said Faizan Arif, a weather spotter. Many low lying areas of Srinagar were inundated with rain water.

“On Nallamar road and Khankah Moula, the storm water is overflowing the roads and has entered into shops causing damage to the goods and merchandise,” said a resident of Old City.

Climate change, less precipitation behind summer sizzle in Kashmir

Kashmir is experiencing multiple bouts of heatwave this summer with temperatures breaking records of the past 70 years, prompting the experts to delve into the reasons for such unusually hot weather.

The heatwave has not only deteriorated the quality of life but also affected vegetable crops and fruit orchards besides drying up water bodies, including river Jhelum, due to extended dry weather conditions.