Srinagar, May 23: The plains of Jammu and Kashmir are in the grip of an intense heat wave that is expected to persist for the next six days.
According to the Meteorological Department (MeT), from May 23 to May 28, generally, dry weather is anticipated, although isolated thundershowers cannot be completely ruled out.
The heat wave is particularly severe in the plains of both Kashmir and Jammu divisions where temperatures are expected to remain high.
Even the hilly districts are not spared, with hot and dry conditions predicted to continue over the next six days.
The MeT officials here said that between May 29 and May 31, the weather is likely to be partly to generally cloudy, with light rain and thunderstorms at isolated places.
However, no significant weather activity is expected until the end of the month.
“The heat wave over the plains of Kashmir division and Jammu division is expected to persist for the next six days,” the official said. “Even the hilly districts are likely to experience hot and dry conditions during this period.”
The MeT advised people to avoid heat exposure and stay hydrated, especially vulnerable groups including the elderly, infants, and children.
Night temperatures have also been on the rise.
In Srinagar, the minimum temperature recorded was 15 degrees Celsius, up from 14.2 degrees Celsius the previous night, which is 23.3 degrees Celsius above the normal for this time of the year.
Qazigund recorded a low of 11.8 degrees Celsius, slightly up from 11.6 degrees Celsius the previous night and 1.5 degrees Celsius above normal.
Pahalgam registered a low of 7.7 degrees Celsius, compared to 7.5 degrees Celsius the previous night, maintaining a normal temperature.
On Wednesday, Shopian, Pulwama, and Srinagar experienced particularly intense heat waves.
The relentless heat is expected to continue affecting daily life and activities, with residents and local authorities urged to take necessary precautions.
The ongoing heat wave has significantly impacted daily life across J&K.
Public health officials are emphasising the importance of staying indoors during peak heat hours, wearing lightweight clothing, and drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
The intense heat wave has also raised concerns among the agricultural community in J&K.
Farmers are worried about the impact of the prolonged heat on their crops, especially in areas where irrigation facilities are limited.
While the forecast indicates a slight relief with the possibility of light rain and thunderstorms from May 29 to May 31, the overall trend suggests that the heat wave will persist for the foreseeable future.
The MeT officials said Srinagar City recorded the maximum temperature of 32.2 degrees Celsius, Kupwara 30.6 degrees Celsius, Kokernag 30.1 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam 27.3 degrees Celsius, Baramulla 32.1 degrees Celsius, Bandipora 31.6 degrees Celsius, Budgam 32.2 degrees Celsius, Pulwama 32.2 degrees Celsius, Anantnag 30.7 degrees Celsius, and Shopian 31.4 degrees Celsius.