Srinagar, May 26: Several areas in Jammu and Kashmir recorded their second-highest maximum temperatures in decades on Sunday, Meteorological Centre Srinagar said on Sunday.
Qazigund registered a maximum temperature of 33.5 degrees Celsius, marking it as the second-highest recorded in the last 43 years.
The previous record was 33.6 degrees Celsius, set on May 31, 1981.
In Kokernag, the mercury soared to 31.5 degrees Celsius, making it the second-highest in the last 22 years.
The record high for the region remains 32.6 degrees Celsius, recorded on May 15, 2001.
Bhaderwah experienced a maximum temperature of 34.8 degrees Celsius, the second-highest in the past 23 years.
The highest recorded temperature for Bhaderwah stands at 37.6 degrees Celsius, recorded on May 30, 2000.
Jammu also witnessed a scorching day with the maximum temperature reaching 42.5 degrees Celsius.
The unusual heatwave sweeping across these areas is attributed to a combination of climatic changes and weather patterns.
The high temperatures are expected to continue, prompting advisories for residents to take necessary precautions against heat-related illnesses.
The record-breaking temperatures are causing concern among residents and authorities alike, as they signify the increasing variability in weather patterns.
The government and health officials are urging people to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight during peak hours, and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms of heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
The Meteorological Department (MeT) officials here said that generally dry weather was expected to persist until May 28, although there remains a possibility of thundershower activity at isolated locations. From May 29 to 31, partly to generally cloudy weather with light rain and thunderstorms are likely in the afternoons at isolated places.
“Overall, there is no significant weather activity expected until the end of this month,” the MeT officials said. “Heatwave conditions are expected over the plains of Kashmir and Jammu divisions, with hot and dry weather likely in the hilly districts over the next three days. People should avoid heat exposure and drink plenty of fluids and water.”
NIGHT TEMPERATURES ABOVE NORMAL
Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 15.7 degrees Celsius, up from 13.8 degrees Celsius the previous night, which is 3.7 degrees Celsius above the normal for this time of year.
Qazigund recorded a minimum of 12.6 degrees Celsius against 10.4 degrees Celsius the previous night, 1.9 degrees Celsius above normal.
Pahalgam experienced a low of 8.3 degrees Celsius, compared to 7.3 degrees Celsius the previous night, 2.2 degrees Celsius above normal.
Kokernag recorded a minimum temperature of 13.2 degrees Celsius, up from 11.1 degrees Celsius the previous night, 2.6 degrees Celsius above normal.
Kupwara town recorded a minimum of 11.5 degrees Celsius against 11.3 degrees Celsius the previous night, 0.9 degrees Celsius above normal for the place.
Gulmarg recorded a low of 11 degrees Celsius, compared to 9 degrees Celsius the previous night, 3.9 degrees Celsius above normal.
In Jammu, the minimum temperature was recorded at 24.5 degrees Celsius, up from 22.4 degrees Celsius the previous night, which is 0.4 degrees Celsius below normal.
Banihal recorded a low of 15 degrees Celsius, Batote 18.4 degrees Celsius, and Bhaderwah 15.4 degrees Celsius.