Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir is currently grappling with a severe heatwave, with Sunday marking another day of scorching temperatures across the region. Srinagar, the summer capital, recorded its hottest day of the season for the second consecutive day, with 32.2 degrees Celsius on Sunday, up from 31.5 degrees Celsius on Saturday.
The heatwave is impacting multiple areas. Qazigund in the south of the valley also experienced its hottest day of the season, hitting 33.0 degrees Celsius. Famous tourist spot, Kokernag, registered a high of 31.4 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam saw temperatures climb to 27.2 degrees Cesius. Further north, Kupwara recorded 29.9 degrees Celsius, and the high-altitude ski resort of Gulmarg was relatively cooler but still warm at 23.6 degrees Celsius.
The intensity of the heat was even more pronounced in the Jammu division. Jammu city itself recorded a maximum temperature of 40.0 degrees Celsius. Other areas in the division, including Banihal, Batote, Bhaderwah, and Katra, all saw mercury levels rise above 30 degrees Celsius.
Looking ahead, the Director of the Meteorological Department (MeT), Mukhtar Ahmad, offered a forecast predicting a brief reprieve from the intense heat. Light rain and thundershower activity is expected starting from Sunday evening or Monday, which should temporarily lower temperatures until May 20th.
He aslo mentioned that gusty winds are also possible during this period. However, this relief is expected to be short-lived, as another spell of heatwave conditions is anticipated from May 21st to May 24th. The MeT department forecasts a possibility of light rain and thundershowers returning around May 25th.
“Thunder shower activity is expected till May 20 with the possibility of gusty winds as well till May 20,” he said.
Amid the high temperatures, particularly in the Jammu division, residents have been advised to take necessary precautions. Ahmad specifically urged vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, children, and the elderly, to stay well-hydrated and take measures to protect themselves from the heat.
