|Black and White Digital News||

||Tejveer Singh May 29, 2024||

In a relentless assault of heat, the Jammu region is reeling under an unprecedented heatwave that has pushed temperatures to alarming highs. On Tuesday, Kathua recorded a blistering 47 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest area in the region. Samba wasn’t far behind, with the mercury soaring to 45 degrees Celsius, while Jammu city sweltered at 43.6 degrees Celsius.

**MeT Office Predicts Extended Heatwave**

The Meteorological (MeT) office in Srinagar has forecast continued hot and dry weather conditions for the next week. Unfortunately, there appears to be no immediate respite in sight for the beleaguered residents of Jammu. However, a slight relief is anticipated between May 30 and June 2, primarily affecting parts of Kashmir and a few hilly areas within the Jammu region.

**Heat Disrupts Normal Life in Kashmir Valley**

The oppressive heat has not spared the Kashmir Valley, where hot and humid conditions have significantly disrupted daily activities. Srinagar, the summer capital, saw temperatures rise to 32.6 degrees Celsius, a significant 6.5 degrees above the seasonal norm.

**Temperature Anomalies Across Key Locations**

The heatwave has caused substantial deviations from normal temperature ranges across various locations:

Qazigund:

Situated on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, Qazigund recorded a high of 33.4 degrees Celsius, which is 8.1 degrees above the usual 25.3 degrees Celsius.

Pahalgam:

This popular tourist spot in south Kashmir registered 27.8 degrees Celsius, exceeding the normal by 5.0 degrees.

Gulmarg:

Known for its ski resorts, Gulmarg experienced a high of 22.4 degrees Celsius, 5.2 degrees above its typical temperature.

Kupwara:

The frontier district reached 30.9 degrees Celsius.

Kokernag:

Another scenic location, Kokernag, recorded a high of 31.0 degrees Celsius.

*Nighttime Temperatures Above Normal*

Even the nighttime has provided little relief. The minimum temperatures during the night hovered between 2 to 4 degrees Celsius above normal across the Kashmir Valley, adding to the discomfort of the residents.

**Ladakh’s Scorching Daytime Heat**

In the Union Territory of Ladakh, Kargil emerged as the hottest town, with temperatures peaking at 25.5 degrees Celsius. Drass, often known for its chilly climate, recorded 21.0 degrees Celsius, while Leh saw a maximum of 20.8 degrees Celsius.

**Implications and Public Advisory**

The ongoing heatwave poses significant health risks, especially to vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young children. The authorities have advised residents to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and take necessary precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses.

This extreme weather pattern underscores the growing impacts of climate change, necessitating urgent action and preparedness to mitigate the effects of such extreme heat conditions in the future. As the region braces for continued high temperatures, the resilience and adaptive strategies of its people will be put to the test.