Srinagar, June 30 -- In Srinagar, the maximum temperature climbed to 34.5degC. Other parts of the Valley also sweltered under intense heat, with Qazigund recording 33.6degC, Pahalgam 30.2degC, Kupwara 34.2degC, and Kokernag 33.6degC. Gulmarg, the only exception, offered slight respite with a relatively cooler maximum of 25.0degC.

In contrast, parts of the Jammu division witnessed below-normal temperatures. Jammu city recorded a high of 32.3degC - 4.7 degrees below normal for this time of year. Banihal reported 29.8degC, Batote 28.3degC, Katra 30.2degC, and Bhaderwah 32.1degC.

Director of the Meteorological Department, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, said that the region could expectintermittent rain and thundershowers at scattered places till July 5...