Northern India grapples with heatwave, monsoon floods and school closures

A severe heatwave swept across the Kashmir Valley, with Srinagar recording a maximum temperature of 35.2 °C and Kupwara reaching 35.4 °C, the hottest in over two decades. In response, the Directorate of School Education Kashmir ordered a 14‑day summer vacation for all government and recognised private schools from 6 July to 19 July, and the Chief Education Officer of Baramulla cancelled all school picnics and camps during the break. Education Minister Sakina Itoo urged students to stay hydrated and safe.

The India Meteorological Department forecast active monsoon conditions in Jammu and Kashmir through 5 July, warning of widespread rain, thunderstorms, flash floods and landslides. Heavy rainfall caused flash flooding in Doda district, Gurez’s Tulail valley and parts of Pahalgam, damaging roads such as the Kilshay‑Zadigay road but resulting in no reported fatalities.

Further south, Himachal Pradesh experienced cloudbursts and intense rain that triggered flash floods, landslides and the closure of 46 roads. An orange alert was issued, and a woman was killed in Mandi when a falling rock struck her. The state’s disaster authorities deployed relief teams and a National Disaster Response Force contingent to assist affected areas.