Hottest day in Srinagar; Temp at 34.3 degree Celsius

Srinagar, July 6 (UNI) The summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir today recorded the hottest day of this season so far with temperature soaring at 34.3 degree Celsius which was above four degree normal, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) here said.

This has beaten the previous record of 33.5 degree Celsius which had been witnessed twice this season - first on July two and then yesterday, but nearly four degrees less than the highest ever recorded on July 15, 1973 when the temperature went up to 39.5 degree Celsius.

IMD (Jammu and Kashmir) Director L C Ram told UNI that the maximum temperature in Srinagar today was at 34.3 degree Celsius, which is so far the highest of this summer.

The minimum was recorded at 19.4 degree Celsius.

The temperature was recorded at 33.2 degree Celsius on June 25.

Mr Ram said the weather record of the past 10-12 years suggest of hot summers during the period with temperatures soaring above normal at 30 degree Celsius.

On June 23, 1990, the maximum temperature in Srinagar was recorded at 36.0 degree Celsius while it was 36.5 degree Celsius on June 24 last year, he added.

The Director said on July one last year, the temperature was recorded at 35.5 degree Celsius. It was 37.0 degree Celsius on July 9, 1999 and 36.6 degree Celsius on July 18, 1997.

Mr Ram said the second highest ever maximum temperature recorded in the summer capital was 37.8 degree Celsius on June 29, 1978.

He said the westerlies had crossed Jammu and Kashmir and reached China by now.

The Director said the winds from Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea were mainly responsible for monsoon in Jammu and Kashmir.

The monsoon activity has been active in the state since June 28, but was less in Srinagar, Baramulla and Kupwara districts because of low depth and intensity, he added.

Mr Ram said the monsoon would be active in the state till first week of September.

UNI AG SHB VC1810