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.
*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.
Residents are advised to avoid prolonged heat exposure and stay hydrated. The weatherman emphasizes the importance of fluid intake during this heatwave.
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.