School holiday extended in Kashmir, Amarnath yatra suspended as Met forecasts downpour

Times of India Published Jul 18, 2026 Reviewed Jul 18, 2026 ✓ Reviewed by citations.press editors

The Jammu & Kashmir government extended summer vacation for all government and recognized private schools in the Kashmir division and the winter zones of the Jammu division up to 22nd July, as schools' original vacation end date was 19th July.

3 days · summer vacation extension

The Amarnath Yatra was temporarily suspended from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes effective 19th July as a precautionary measure for pilgrim safety.

Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 35.9 degrees Celsius on Saturday during a heatwave in Kashmir.

35.9 degree Celsius · maximum temperature in Srinagar

The Meteorological Department forecast adverse weather in Jammu & Kashmir from 20th to 23rd July, with light to heavy rainfall expected due to moisture incursion from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, and the west end of the monsoon trough shifting north of its normal position.

The Meteorological Department advisory warned of landslides, mudslides, shooting stones, and flash floods at vulnerable places over the Pirpanjal Range of Jammu and higher reaches of Kashmir, including Anantnag, Pahalgam, Kulgam, Shopian, Pir Ki Gali, Gulmarg, Sonamarg-Zojila axis, Bandipora-Razdan Pass and Kupwara-Sadhna pass.

SRINAGAR: School holidays in Kashmir have been extended by three days and Amarnath yatra suspended following forecast of an adverse weather spell from July 20 to July 23, even as mercury continued to rise across the region on Saturday, with Srinagar recording a maximum temperature of 35.9 degree.“It was a severe heat day in Kashmir today,” said Sonam Lotus, director of meteorological department.However, he said, an adverse weather spell is expected from July 20 to July 23, with light to heavy rainfall likely in many parts of Jammu & Kashmir due to moisture incursion from Arabian sea and from Bay of Bengal and the shifting of west end of monsoon trough towards Jammu, north of its normal position.A Met advisory said system is likely to cause landslides, mudslides, shooting stones, flash floods at vulnerable places over Pirpanjal Range of Jammu and higher reaches of Kashmir, including Anantnag, Pahalgam, Kulgam, Shopian, Pir Ki Gali, Gulmarg, Sonamarg-Zojila axis, Bandipora-Razdan Pass and Kupwara-Sadhna pass.It said this may lead to disruption of surface transport on major roads, including Jammu-Srinagar national highway.Following the forecast, the govt has extended the summer vacation in Kashmir schools by three more days.“In view of the prevailing weather conditions, it has been decided to extend the summer vacation for all govt and recognized private schools in the Kashmir division and the winter zones of Jammu division up to 22nd July (Wednesday),” education minister Sakina Itoo said.The vacations were scheduled to end on July 19.Amarnathji Yatra will remain temporarily suspended from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes with effect from July 19 “as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of the pilgrims,” a govt spokesman said.“Updates regarding resumption of Yatra will be issued in due course of time after ensuring route safety and comprehensive assessment of weather conditions,” state’s divisional commissioner Anshul Garg said.Get the latest India News and Live updates.

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