Srinagar, May 27: Jammu and Kashmir experienced a significant rise in temperatures on Monday with several areas recording the highest temperatures in decades.
The Meteorological Department (MeT) predicted the continuation of the heatwave in the next month too.
The Meteorological Centre Srinagar said that there were unprecedented heat levels in multiple locations, reflecting the intensifying heatwave conditions across J&K.
Qazigund recorded its highest maximum temperature in 43 years, reaching 34 degrees Celsius. This surpasses the previous record of 33.6 degrees Celsius set on May 31, 1981.
The maximum temperature in Kokernag hit 31.6 degrees Celsius, marking the second highest in 22 years with the highest on record remaining 32.6 degrees Celsius on May 15, 2001.
The Baderwah town recorded a maximum temperature of 34.6 degrees Celsius, the third highest in 23 years. Notably, the second highest 34.7 degrees Celsius was recorded on Sunday. The highest ever recorded was 37.6 degrees Celsius on May 30, 2000.
The maximum temperature in Pahalgam was 28.6 degrees Celsius, the second highest in 23 years with the record high remaining 30.8 degrees Celsius on May 23, 2000.
Srinagar recorded 32.2 degrees Celsius, Kupwara 30.9 degrees Celsius, and Gulmarg 22.4 degrees Celsius.
The maximum temperature in Jammu soared to 42.8 degrees Celsius while Katra reached a high of 39 degrees Celsius.
The MeT officials said that the heatwave was expected to persist with no significant relief in sight until a brief respite from May 30 to June 2.
However, another spell of heatwave conditions is anticipated from June 3 onwards in J&K.
The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar on Monday issued a detailed weather forecast for J&K for the upcoming days, indicating a persistent heatwave over the plains of Jammu division.
The advisory said that from May 27 to 29, generally dry weather is anticipated across the region though there is also a possibility of isolated thundershower activity.
It said that from May 30 to 31, the weather is expected to be partly to generally cloudy, with light rain or thundershowers likely at isolated places.
The advisory said that from June 1 to 2, similar conditions would persist with partly to generally cloudy skies and light rain or thundershowers at isolated locations.
It said that from June 3 to 5, the weather was predicted to remain generally dry.
The people have been advised to avoid heat exposure and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. This advisory is particularly important for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, infants, and children.
The MeT has urged the people to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the severe heat.
As the region braces for another heatwave starting June 3, people have been reminded to remain vigilant and adhere to health advisories to avoid heat-related illnesses.
The night temperature continued to hover above normal in most parts of J&K where weathermen forecast another dry and hot day on Monday.
Srinagar recorded a low of 15.6 degrees Celsius against 15.1 degrees Celsius the previous night and it was 3.6 degrees Celsius above normal for this time of the year.
Qazigund recorded a minimum of 12.4 degrees Celsius against 12.6 degrees Celsius the previous night and it was 1.7 degrees Celsius above normal.
Pahalgam recorded a low of 7.7 degrees Celsius against 8.3 degrees Celsius the previous night and it was 1.6 degrees Celsius above normal.
Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, recorded a minimum of 13.6 degrees Celsius against 13.2 degrees Celsius and it was 3 degrees Celsius above normal.
Kupwara town recorded a minimum of 12 degrees Celsius against 11.5 degrees Celsius the previous night and it was above normal by 1.4 degrees Celsius for the place.
Gulmarg recorded a minimum of 11.2 degrees Celsius against 11 degrees Celsius the previous night and it was above normal by 4.1 degrees Celsius.
Jammu recorded a low of 24.7 degrees Celsius against 24.5 degrees Celsius the previous night and it was below normal by 0.2 degrees Celsius.
Banihal recorded a low of 15.2 degrees Celsius, Batote 19 degrees Celsius, and Bhaderwah 15.6 degrees Celsius.