Srinagar: As temperatures soared across parts of Kashmir on Sunday, Srinagar experienced its hottest day of the season, marking the highest May temperature in over a decade.
Meteorological data revealed that Qazigund surpassed a 43-year-old record, while Kokernag and Bhaderwah recorded their second warmest May day since 1981 and 2001 respectively.
Srinagar hit a scorching 32.7°C, breaking the previous record of 32.2°C set on May 23, with temperatures soaring 6.6°C above normal. The last recorded high, prior to 2014, stood at 31.9°C on May 22, 2016. Pre-2014 data indicated an all-time high of 36.4°C on May 24, 1968, according to meteorological officials.
In Qazigund, temperatures reached 33.5°C, marking the second highest maximum in 43 years. The highest temperature recorded was 33.6°C on May 31, 1988. Kokernag witnessed its second highest maximum temperature in 22 years, hitting 31.5°C, with the highest ever recorded at 32.6°C on May 15, 2001.
Bhaderwah experienced its second highest maximum temperature in 23 years, reaching 34.8°C, with an all-time high of 37.6°C on May 30, 2000.
Other areas also faced sweltering conditions, with Pahalgam recording 28.1°C, Kupwara 30.5°C, and Gulmarg 22.6°C respectively. Jammu sizzled at 42.5°C, according to the meteorological department.
Meteorologists predict the ongoing heat wave to persist over the plains of Jammu and Kashmir for the next three days. While generally dry weather is anticipated until May 28, isolated thundershower activity cannot be ruled out.
From May 29 to 31, partly to generally cloudy weather is expected, with light rain and thunder likely at isolated places in the afternoons, meteorological officials stated.
(GNS)