This alarming shortfall, observed from January 1 to July 25, has raised serious concerns about potential water shortage and its detrimental impact on agriculture.

 "Given the above and considering the requests from parents and various stakeholders, as well as the weather forecast, classwork in all government and recognised private schools up to the Higher Secondary level in the Kashmir division shall commence from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm in both rural and urban areas," states an order of the Directorate of School Education in Kashmir.

The temperature in Srinagar reached 35.7 degrees Celsius on Thursday, surpassing the July average by six degrees and marking the highest July temperature in 25 years.