Srinagar Grapples with Unprecedented Heat: School Timings Adjusted

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, has experienced record-breaking temperatures for the second consecutive day, with the mercury reaching 35.5 degrees Celsius on Friday. This surpasses the previous day’s high of 35.2 degrees and represents the highest temperature recorded this season. According to weather data, this is the highest temperature in June since June 25, 2005, and the warmest since 1988. The ongoing heatwave has prompted immediate action from authorities, with the Education Minister announcing changes to school schedules across Srinagar and the Kashmir Valley. Effective June 21, schools within Srinagar city will operate from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, while those outside the city limits will follow a schedule of 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM. A ten-day summer break, from July 1 to July 10, has also been declared for both government and private schools in the Kashmir division. The decision was made in response to the intense heat. Authorities will assess the weather conditions after July 10 to determine if the vacation period needs extension. The local meteorological department has forecast rain and thunderstorms starting the following day, offering a potential respite from the extreme heat.