Srinagar swelters at 34.2 degrees Celsius, Jammu sizzles at 43.6

By: Owais Gul

Srinagar: There has been no letup in the intense heatwave conditions in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday as the maximum temperatures continued to settle above normal, with the local Meteorological Department here issuing a severe heatwave alert for the next two days.

Srinagar, the summer capital of J&K, has recorded a maximum temperature of 34.2 degrees Celsius, which was 6.2 degrees Celsius above normal. Jammu City, however, recorded a slight improvement but continued to witness above normal temperatures today. As per the details, Jammu has recorded a maximum temperature of 43.6 degrees Celsius against yesterday’s 44.4 degrees Celsius.

Notably, Jammu on Wednesday figured among the top ‘hot-spots’ on earth at 44.4 degrees Celsius, ranking 68th hottest place across the globe.

Moreover, Qazigund, a gateway of Kashmir, recorded a day temperature of 33.9 degrees Celsius, which was 7.2 degrees Celsius above normal.

At 33.2 degrees Celsius, Kokernag also recorded 7.0 degrees Celsius above normal temperature on Thursday, while the mercury at Gulmarg, a famous ski resort, settled at 24.8 degrees Celsius.

In Pahalgam, the mercury settled at 29.0 degrees Celsius while Kupwara recorded 33.0 degrees Celsius.

Similarly, the Jammu division also witnessed above normal temperatures today, with Katra recording a maximum temperature of 39.5 degrees Celsius.

Banihal, Batote and Bhaderwah recorded a maximum temperature of 33.8 degrees Celsius, 33.0 degrees Celsius and 34.0 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Moreover, Director MeT, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad has predicted severe heatwave conditions across Jammu and Kashmir for the next two days.

He said a brief spell of light rain and thundershower is expected at isolated to scattered places, accompanied by thunder and gusty winds from June 14 to 17.

“Generally, hot & dry weather is expected from June 18 to 20,” Ahmad added.

Meanwhile, the MeT has issued an advisory, predicting a severe heatwave at scattered places of J&K during the next two days. “Take sufficient fluid, water and avoid outdoor activities during peak intensity (12 noon to 4 pm),” the advisory reads, adding that the farmers are advised to continue farm operations. —(KNO)