Srinagar, May 28: Jammu and Kashmir continued to swelter under an intense heatwave, with temperatures reaching record highs across Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the Meteorological Centre in Srinagar, several areas experienced temperatures significantly above normal, causing widespread discomfort.
In Kashmir, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 32.6 degrees Celsius while Qazigund saw a high of 33.4 degrees Celsius.
Pahalgam reported 27.8 degrees Celsius and Kupwara recorded 30.9 degrees Celsius.
Kokernag experienced 31 degrees Celsius and mercury in Anantnag reached 31.6 degrees Celsius. Ganderbal recorded the highest temperature in Kashmir at 33.6 degrees Celsius, followed by Bandipora at 31.1 degrees Celsius and Baramulla at 30.9 degrees Celsius.
Sonamarg reported a relatively cooler 24.1 degrees Celsius and Budgam recorded 32 degrees Celsius.
Both Pulwama and Shopian reported temperatures of 32.6 degrees Celsius and 31.6 degrees Celsius. Data for Gulmarg and Kulgam was not available.
In the Jammu region, the heat was even more intense.
Jammu city recorded a scorching 43.6 degrees Celsius while Banihal reported 31.8 degrees Celsius and Batote 32.4 degrees Celsius.
Bhaderwah reached 34.2 degrees Celsius and Katra recorded 39.4 degrees Celsius.
Udhampur reported 41.3 degrees Celsius while Kathua experienced the highest temperature in the region at 47.1 degrees Celsius.
Ramban recorded 44.8 degrees Celsius, Poonch 39.5 degrees Celsius, and Samba 45 degrees Celsius.
Reasi was not far behind with 43.5 degrees Celsius.
Data for Rajouri and Kishtwar was not available.
Ladakh, known for its cooler climate, also saw significant temperature highs.
Leh recorded 20.8 degrees Celsius, Kargil 25.5 degrees Celsius, and Drass 21 degrees Celsius.
FORECAST
The Meteorological Department predicted generally dry weather across the region from May 28 to 29.
“However, there is a possibility of isolated thundershower activity,” the MeT officials said.
They said that from May 30 to 31, the weather would be partly to generally cloudy, with light rain or thunder anticipated at isolated places.
“From June 1 to 2, similar conditions would continue, with partly to generally cloudy skies and light rain or thunder expected at isolated places,” the MeT officials said.
They said generally dry weather would prevail from June 3 to 5.
The MeT officials said that from June 6 to 7, the weather would turn generally cloudy, with light rain or thunder at isolated places.
ADVISORY
With no respite from a heat wave expected in Jammu division and hot and dry weather conditions predicted in the plains for the next seven days, the residents have been advised to take precautions to avoid heat exposure, particularly between 12 noon and 3 pm.
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids is crucial, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly, infants, and children.
RELIEF IN KASHMIR DIVISION
There will be slight relief from the heatwave conditions in most parts of the Kashmir division and some hilly areas of the Jammu division from May 30 to 31 and June 1 to 2.
UPCOMING HEAT WAVE
Meanwhile, another spell of heat wave is expected from June 3 to 5.
The Meteorological Centre has urged residents to take necessary precautions during this period to safeguard their health and well-being.
SAFETY TIPS
The experts have shared certain safety tips to escape the heatwave. These include avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours (12 noon to 3 pm); drinking plenty of water and fluids to stay hydrated; wearing light and loose-fitting clothing; seeking shade and avoiding direct sunlight as much as possible; staying updated with the latest weather forecasts and advisories from the Meteorological Centre Srinagar to stay safe during these changing weather conditions.