Srinagar, May 22: Srinagar experienced its hottest day in May on Thursday, with temperatures reaching a scorching 34.4°C. This marks the highest temperature recorded in the city for the month of May since May 24, 1968, when the mercury soared to 36.4°C. The 34.4°C recorded on May 22, 2025, is the third highest May temperature in Srinagar in 133 years.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the Meteorological Department (MeT) Srinagar, confirmed that the temperature on Thursday was the third highest ever recorded for May in the city. The second highest was 35°C on May 31, 1956. He also said that Kukernag station recorded its highest-ever May temperature of 33.3°C on the same day, surpassing the previous high of 32.6°C recorded on May 15, 2001.
About the forecast, he said from May 23 to 26, the region will experience generally hot and dry weather, with the possibility of brief spells of light rain at isolated places, mainly during the late afternoon.
“From May 27 to 31, the weather is expected to remain generally hot and dry, with chances of light rain or thundershowers occurring at scattered to many places,” he said.
Dr Mukhtar said that there is an expected rise in maximum temperatures by 1 to 2°C with the possibility of heatwave conditions at isolated places in the Kashmir Division until May 23, followed by a fall of 2 to 3°C thereafter.
In the Jammu Division, maximum temperatures are likely to rise by 2 to 3°C, with a possibility of heatwave conditions over isolated areas until May 26.
“Additionally, the possibility of thunder and gusty winds at isolated places during the late afternoon cannot be ruled out. Residents are advised to stay cautious and take necessary precautions accordingly,” he added.
According to data from the Meteorological Department (MeT), Srinagar’s maximum temperature on Thursday was 9.0°C above the seasonal average, while the minimum temperature settled at 15.4°C, 3.4°C higher than normal.
In Jammu city, the maximum temperature stood at 38.5°C, which was just 0.1°C above normal. However, the minimum of 26.5°C was 1.5°C higher than the seasonal average. Relative humidity dropped from 43% in the morning to 28% by evening.
City’s all-time highest temperature was recorded at a scorching 47.4°C on May 26, 1984, while the lowest minimum temperature dropped to 9.8°C on May 13, 1982. In recent years, Jammu has experienced notable temperature fluctuations.
In 2024, the highest maximum temperature reached 44.8°C on May 30, with the lowest minimum at 15.7°C on May 2. In 2023, Jammu’s peak temperature was 42.0°C on May 23, with a minimum of 15.8°C on May 10. In 2022, the city recorded a maximum temperature of 43.9°C on May 15 and a minimum of 18.2°C on May 24.
In 2021, Jammu’s maximum temperature was 41.6°C on May 27, while the minimum temperature fell to 17.4°C on May 13. In 2020, the highest temperature was 42.6°C on May 28, and the minimum was 18.0°C on May 15. In 2019, the maximum temperature peaked at 44.1°C on May 31, with a minimum of 19.4°C on May 4.
Katra recorded a high of 36.2°C, 0.9°C above the norm, and a minimum of 23.9°C, which was 1.6°C higher than average. Humidity dropped from 52% to 35% over the day.
In Banihal, temperatures peaked at 31.0°C — 4.1°C above normal — while the night temperature was 15.4°C, 3.3°C higher than average. Relative humidity dropped from 57% in the morning to 41% by evening.
Batote saw a high of 29.2°C, exceeding normal by 2.1°C. The minimum was 17.1°C, up by 2.2°C. Humidity levels remained nearly unchanged, dipping slightly from 46% to 45%.
In Bhaderwah, the maximum was 32.1°C, 3.9°C above normal, and the minimum stood at 12.5°C, 0.9°C above average. Morning humidity was 47%, dropping to 38% later in the day.
Pahalgam, usually known for its cool climate, recorded a maximum of 27.8°C — 5.6°C above normal. The minimum was 6.5°C, just 0.1°C above the average. Humidity levels fell from 54% to 30%. In Gulmarg, maximum touched 25.4°C, which was 8.8°C above normal. The minimum stood at 11.5°C, 4.4°C above average. Humidity dropped from 56% to 32%.
Kupwara saw a high of 31.6°C, 5.3°C above normal, and a low of 12.6°C, up by 2.0°C. Humidity plunged from 79% in the morning to 31% by evening.
In Kokernag, the mercury soared to 33.3°C, 9.2°C above normal, while the minimum was 14.4°C, 4.2°C above the usual. Humidity dropped from 44% to 23%.
Qazigund also experienced extreme heat, recording a maximum of 33.5°C, which was 8.9°C above normal. The minimum stood at 11.4°C, up by 1.3°C. Morning humidity was 63%, decreasing to 36% by evening.
