Heatwave sweeps J&K: Srinagar hits 133-year May record at 34.4°C

Srinagar: The intense heatwave has gripped Jammu and Kashmir, with Srinagar surpassing the previous records on Thursday as the station recorded the third highest-ever temperature in the month of May at 34.4 degrees Celsius. The previous record was 34.3 degrees Celsius recorded on May 28, 1971, he said. J&K is presently witnessing an intense heatwave, while the administration and doctors have issued advisories, appealing people to take adequate precautions.
Meanwhile, as per the details, Qazigund recorded the third highest temperature in the month of May since 1956 at 33.5 degrees Celsius. However, in May 2024, the temperature of 34.0 degrees Celsius was recorded, which stands as the all-time record, Keng said.
According to Keng, Kokernag recorded the all-time highest day temperature in the month of May since 1978 at 33.3 degrees Celsius. The previous all-time highest temperature was recorded on 15 May 2001 at 32.6 degrees Celsius.
Moreover, Pahalgam recorded a maximum temperature of 27.8 degrees Celsius while Kupwara and Gulmarg recorded 31.6 and 25.4 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Jammu region also witnessed a rise in the temperature. The data reveals that, except Batote, the mercury in different stations of the winter capital settled above 30 degrees Celsius.
Notably, Director Meteorological Department (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad has predicted an isolated heat wave in J&K, saying that generally hot & dry weather is expected with the possibility of a brief spell of light rain at isolated places mainly towards late afternoon till May 26.
Ahmad said that from May 27 to 31, the weather would remain generally hot & dry with the possibility of a brief spell of light rain and thundershower at scattered places.
The MeT in its advisory said that a rise in maximum temperature by 1-2 degrees Celsius is expected with the possibility of a heatwave at scattered places of Kashmir division till May 23 and fall by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius thereafter.
A rise in maximum temperature is expected by 2-3 degrees Celsius, with the possibility of a heatwave over Jammu division till May 26. “Possibility of thunder, gusty winds at isolated places towards late afternoon can’t be ruled out,” according to the advisory.