J&K reels under severe heatwave

Srinagar, May 17: Jammu and Srinagar are experiencing an unusually intense heatwave, with temperatures significantly surpassing seasonal norms. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 31.5°C on Saturday, nearly 5.4°C above the average for this time of year. Jammu, the winter capital, reached a scorching 41.0°C, marking a substantial rise from the typical mid-May temperatures.
The Meteorological Department has issued a warning of further temperature increases over the next three days, particularly in the Jammu division. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the Meteorological Department, advised the public to remain indoors during peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
The heatwave is expected to continue, with light rain anticipated on Sunday, which may provide temporary relief. However, residents are urged to take necessary precautions to mitigate the effects of the extreme heat.
While hot and dry conditions persist, farmers have been advised to continue their agricultural operations only until the afternoon of May 18, after which there is a likelihood of thunder, lightning, and gusty winds at a few places between the evening of May 18 and May 19, the MeT office said.
Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 31.5°C on Saturday and a minimum of 25.4°C, with a temperature variation of 5.4°C. The day temperature stood at 13.9°C, night at 11.7°C, and the deviation from normal was 2.2°C. The relative humidity was 49% during the day and 20% at night.
Qazigund experienced a maximum of 31.0°C and a minimum of 24.4°C, with a difference of 6.6°C. The day temperature was 9.4°C and the night 10.1°C, marking a deviation of -0.7°C. Humidity levels were 64% during the day and 44% at night.
Pahalgam reported a high of 25.8°C and a low of 21.9°C, with a temperature difference of 3.9°C. The day temperature was 6.7°C, night 6.2°C, showing a positive deviation of 0.5°C. Humidity was recorded at 50% in the day and 39% at night.
Kupwara registered a maximum temperature of 27.0°C and minimum of 25.8°C, resulting in a low difference of 1.2°C. The day and night temperatures were 10.0°C and 10.3°C respectively, indicating a -0.3°C deviation. Humidity was high, with 82% during the day and 57% at night.
Kukernag recorded 29.1°C as maximum and 23.8°C as minimum temperature, with a difference of 5.3°C. The day temperature stood at 12.2°C, night at 10.0°C, with a positive deviation of 2.2°C. Relative humidity was 40% during the day and 29% at night.
Gulmarg had a cooler day, with a maximum of 20.4°C and a minimum of 16.3°C — a difference of 4.1°C. The day and night temperatures were 9.2°C and 6.9°C respectively, with a deviation of 2.3°C. Humidity was 42% during the day and 34% at night. Rainfall recorded was 1.2 mm.
Konibal saw a maximum temperature of 31.5°C. The day temperature was 8.5°C and relative humidity stood at 62%.
Jammu was among the hottest, with a maximum of 41.0°C and a minimum of 38.1°C — a 2.1°C difference. Day and night temperatures were 24.1°C and 24.4°C respectively, with a -0.3°C deviation. Humidity stood at 31% during the day and 22% at night.
Banihal recorded a maximum of 29.0°C and minimum of 26.7°C, a difference of 2.3°C. The day temperature was 10.6°C, night 11.9°C, with a -1.3°C deviation. Humidity was 50% during the day and 41% at night.
Batote had a maximum of 29.9°C and minimum of 26.4°C, a difference of 3.5°C. The day temperature was 16.0°C, night 13.3°C, with a positive deviation of 2.7°C. Humidity was 45% in the day and 20% at night.
Katra recorded 36.8°C maximum and 33.6°C minimum, with a 3.2°C difference. Day and night temperatures were 22.6°C and 20.0°C respectively, showing a deviation of 2.6°C. Humidity was 44% during the day and 31% at night.
Bhaderwah noted 30.6°C maximum and 27.6°C minimum, a 3.0°C difference. Day temperature was 12.1°C, night 10.4°C, with a deviation of 1.7°C. Humidity was 48% in the day and 56% at night.
Kathua experienced extreme heat with a maximum of 41.0°C and minimum of 38.1°C — a 2.9°C difference. Day temperature was 27.6°C and night 22.3°C, with a high deviation of 5.3°C. Humidity was 36% in the day.