Srinagar: Srinagar witnessed one of the hottest days in its recorded history on Thursday as the temperature reached 34.4 degree Celsius. This was the third highest temperature ever recorded in the month of May in the past 133 years.
According to independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif Keng, it was also the highest temperature of the season so far. He said the previous record for May was 34.3 degree Celsius, noted on May 28, 1971. The highest May temperature ever reported in Srinagar is believed to be 36.4 degree Celsius, recorded in 1968, though some experts consider that figure less reliable.
Other places in Kashmir also faced intense heat. Qazigund recorded 33.5 degree, Kokernag 33.3, Kupwara 31.6, Pahalgam 27.8, and Gulmarg 25.4 degree Celsius, all significantly above normal levels. The heatwave also impacted the Jammu region, where Jammu city recorded 38.5 degrees, while other areas like Katra, Banihal, Bhaderwah, and Batote saw temperatures ranging from 29 to 36 degrees Celsius. Even in the cooler Ladakh region, Leh recorded a maximum temperature of 22.4 degrees Celsius.
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Due to the rising temperatures, Jammu and Kashmir administration and health officials have issued advisories urging people to stay indoors during peak afternoon hours and keep themselves well hydrated. Special precautions have been advised for children, the elderly, and people with health conditions.
The weather department has warned that temperatures in Kashmir’s plains could rise further and might break more records. According to the forecast, the weather will remain mostly dry and hot till May 26, with only light rain expected in isolated areas during late afternoons.
From May 27 to 31, the region may continue to face hot and dry conditions, although occasional rain or thundershowers cannot be ruled out. A slight drop of 2 to 3 degree Celsius is expected after May 23 in some areas, but heatwave conditions are likely to continue in both the Kashmir and Jammu regions.
To protect students from the scorching heat, the Directorate of School Education Kashmir has changed school timings. Schools within city areas will now operate from 8.30 am to 2.30 pm, while those in rural and other districts will run from 9 am to 3 pm.
Education Minister Sakina Itoo said the decision was made after parents complained that students were feeling discomfort during morning assemblies. She directed school authorities to avoid holding assemblies in direct sunlight and to provide shaded areas wherever possible.
