Srinagar, 12 Sep(KNS): Kashmir experienced an unprecedented heatwave that shattered long-standing temperature records on Tuesday.

Data shared by Kashmir weather, an independent weather forecaster states, 

Srinagar, the capital of the region, sizzled under the scorching sun, recording a maximum temperature of 34.2°C. This reading was a staggering 6.0°C above the usual September norm.

The significance of this heatwave becomes evident when we consider that this is the second-highest maximum temperature ever recorded in September since 1891, when the weather observatory was established. 

The previous record of 33.8°C, dating back to 01 September 1970, was decisively eclipsed, inching closer to the all-time high of 35.0°C recorded on 18 September 1934.

In Qazigund, another town in the region, the mercury soared to a blistering 33.2°C. This departure from the normal by 6.7°C was an alarming indicator of the heatwave's intensity. The previous record, set at 32.8°C on 12 September 2019, was left in the shade. 

The all-time record was practically rewritten, as today's temperature became the highest reading since the observatory's inception in 1956.

Kokernag, not to be outdone, experienced a scorching maximum temperature of 32.0°C, a departure of 6.6°C from the average. This too trumped the previous record of 31.8°C established just days ago on 02 September 2023. Notably, today's reading marked the highest temperature recorded since the observatory's establishment in 1977.

The extraordinary heatwave extended its reach to other stations as well, with Kupwara AWS recording 33.8°C, Baramulla at 32.3°C, Bandipora at 33.2°C, Budgam at 33.2°C, Pulwama at 31.8°C, Shopian at 33.8°C, Kulgam at 31.1°C, Anantnag at 32.8°C, and Sonamarg, comparatively cooler at 27.5°C.(KNS).