Is Srinagar Experiencing the Hottest Day of the Season at 34.4 Degrees?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Srinagar hits a record temperature of 34.4°C.
- Schools have adjusted timings to promote student safety.
- Health concerns are rising among children due to the heat.
- No air conditioning is available in schools.
- Rural areas maintain better tree cover for shade.
Srinagar, May 22 (NationPress) On Thursday, Srinagar city in Kashmir recorded the season's highest temperature at 34.4 degrees Celsius, marking the hottest day of the season thus far.
This surpasses the previous record of 34.2 degrees Celsius set on May 5, 2024. An official from the MET department indicated that the maximum temperature is expected to stay elevated for the next five days.
Jammu city noted a maximum temperature of 38.5 degrees Celsius for the day.
In light of the extreme and atypical heat, authorities have mandated that schools in Srinagar will operate from 8 am to 2 pm, while schools outside the city will function from 9 am to 3 pm starting Monday.
The Education Minister, Sakina Itoo, stated that the summer vacation for schools in the Valley will be declared at a suitable time.
There have been reports of children fainting during morning assemblies held outdoors.
Authorities have instructed that no outdoor morning assemblies are to take place until further notice.
Currently, no government-run school in the Valley has provisions to alleviate the effects of the heat, with many lacking even ceiling fans, let alone air conditioning in classrooms.
Both children and the elderly are advised to avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours.
In an effort to cool off, children across Srinagar and surrounding towns have been spotted enjoying swims in various water bodies.
In contrast to Srinagar city, which has seen its tree cover significantly replaced by buildings, the rural areas of the Valley boast improved tree cover, providing essential shade for pedestrians and the elderly.