Mercury Soars in J&K: Record-Breaking Heatwave Grips Region.
Parts of Jammu and Kashmir set new records for extreme temperatures on Sunday, marking one of the hottest days in recent history.
*Jammu is sizzling under immense heatwave, unusual heat across the region.*
The meteorological department predicts the heatwave will continue for the next three days.
**Srinagar’s Scorching Sunday**
||Black and White Digital News||
||Tejveer Singh May 27, 2024||
On Sunday, Srinagar experienced its warmest May day in over a decade, with temperatures peaking at 32.7°C. This surpasses the previous high of 32.2°C recorded on May 23 and is 6.6°C above the seasonal norm. The last significant May heatwave in Srinagar occurred in 2016 when temperatures reached 31.9°C. Historically, the highest temperature in May was 36.4°C on May 24, 1968.
**Qazigund’s Unprecedented Heat**
Qazigund recorded a blistering 33.5°C, the second-highest temperature in 43 years. The previous record of 33.6°C was set on May 31, 1988. This marks a significant deviation from typical May weather in the area.
**Kokernag and Bhaderwah:Near Record-Breakers**
Kokernag saw its second-highest May temperature in 22 years at 31.5°C, just shy of the 32.6°C record set on May 15, 2001. Meanwhile, Bhaderwah recorded 34.8°C, the second highest in 23 years, with the all-time high of 37.6°C occurring on May 30, 2000.
**Region-Wide Sweltering Conditions**
Other areas in Jammu and Kashmir also experienced extreme heat. Pahalgam reached 28.1°C, Kupwara hit 30.5°C, and Gulmarg recorded 22.6°C. Jammu sizzled at 42.5°C, reflecting the broader trend of unusual heat across the region.
**Heatwave to Persist**
*The meteorological department predicts the heatwave will continue for the next three days* . Dry weather is expected until May 28, though isolated thundershowers may occur. From May 29-31, partly to generally cloudy weather with light rain and thunder is anticipated in isolated areas.
**Health Advisory**
Residents are advised to avoid prolonged heat exposure and stay hydrated. The weatherman emphasizes the importance of fluid intake during this heatwave.
**Nighttime Warmth**
Night temperatures also remain above normal. Srinagar recorded a low of 15.7°C, 3.7°C above the average. Qazigund’s minimum temperature was 12.6°C, 1.9°C higher than usual. Pahalgam and Kokernag also saw elevated nighttime temperatures at 8.3°C and 13.2°C, respectively.
Kupwara’s night temperature was 11.5°C, Gulmarg’s was 11.0°C, and Jammu’s was 24.5°C. Banihal recorded 15.0°C, Batote 18.4°C, and Bhaderwah 15.4°C, showcasing a region-wide trend of warmer nights.
**Conclusion**
The unprecedented heatwave gripping Jammu and Kashmir highlights the need for preparedness and caution as the region grapples with these extreme temperatures.