Srinagar records season’s hottest day at 30.7°C; Jammu sizzles at 42°C
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir continued to reel under intense heat on Tuesday even as the Meteorological Department forecast light rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds across several parts of the Union Territory till May 21, bringing possible relief from the rising temperatures.
According to the MeT Department, weather conditions are expected to remain partly to generally cloudy over the next three days, with spells of light rain and thundershowers likely during afternoon and evening hours in many areas of Kashmir and Jammu divisions.
The department has also issued an advisory warning of thunder, lightning and gusty winds with speeds of 40 to 50 kmph at isolated places between May 19 and 21. Possibility of hailstorms in some areas has also not been ruled out.
While the forecast predicts intermittent rain activity, the larger concern remains the unusual rise in temperatures across Kashmir Valley, where several stations recorded temperatures 5 to 6 degrees Celsius above normal.
Srinagar witnessed one of the hottest May days in recent years with the mercury settling at 30.7 degrees Celsius, over five degrees above average for this time of the year.
The soaring temperatures have triggered growing concern among residents, particularly farmers and orchardists, who fear that prolonged heat combined with gusty winds and hailstorms could damage fruit crops during the crucial growing season. Experts believe sudden weather fluctuations may impact apple orchards and other horticulture produce across south and central Kashmir.
Qazigund recorded 30.2 degrees Celsius, while Kokernag settled at 29.2 degrees Celsius. Kupwara recorded 28.3 degrees Celsius and the famous tourist destination of Gulmarg registered 21.6 degrees Celsius, unusually high for the hill station. Pahalgam recorded a maximum temperature of 22.4 degrees Celsius.
In Jammu division, heatwave-like conditions intensified further with Jammu city recording a scorching 42 degrees Celsius. Katra registered 39 degrees Celsius, while Banihal, Batote and Bhaderwah also recorded temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius.
The MeT Department said hot and dry weather conditions are likely to persist at many places over the next two days, especially in Jammu division where isolated heatwave conditions are expected.
Officials said weather conditions are likely to remain mostly dry from May 22 to 28, except for brief afternoon showers at isolated places. Another spell of light rain and thundershowers is expected between May 29 and 31.
