Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jun 24: As Srinagar reeled under an intense heatwave with temperatures touching nearly 35.5°C on Tuesday, the residents across the city turned to traditional ways to stay cool by distributing yogurt drinks, rose water and chilled refreshments to passersby at different locations in Srinagar city.
According to the reports, the day’s maximum temperature was 6.3°C above normal. The summer heat also affected other parts of the Kashmir Valley, with Qazigund recording 33.6°C, Pahalgam 30.6°C, Kupwara 34.7°C, Kokernag 33.2°C, and Gulmarg 26.0°C—all above average for this time of year.
In areas like Khanyar, Nowhatta, Maisuma and other places, residents, especially youth, had set up roadside stalls to provide relief. “We brought out cans and jugs with chilled lassi and rose water. People were exhausted from the heat,” said Owais Ahmad from Khanyar Srinagar. He said, even a small drink brought smiles and we were happy to see that.
Also in Nowhatta, groups of volunteers offered juice and water during the afternoon. “It is just a small effort to help,” said Sahil, a resident from the area.
Interestingly, parts of the Jammu region reported below-normal temperatures. Jammu city recorded 34.1°C, which is 3.5°C below the seasonal average. Katra saw 30.7°C, and Batote and Bhaderwah recorded 28.2°C and 33.2°C respectively. Also, in Ladakh, Leh reported 31.5°C while Kargil stood at 34.6°C.
Meanwhile, experts have advised residents to avoid direct exposure to the sun, stay hydrated and wear light clothing to stay safe in the soaring temperatures. (KNO)
