Amid scorching ongoing heatwaves in north India, the temperatures in J&K are also breaking records, said officials. Although Kashmir is witnessing a massive tourist inflow this summer, the valley also recorded the hottest month of May so far in decades.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), "a heat wave is defined when the maximum temperature reaches at least 40 °C in plains and at least 30 °C in hilly regions."
However, the specific temperatures at which heat waves are declared can vary from place to place, depending on the region's typical temperature patterns.
Jammu city reported a scorching 42.8°C, while Katra registered 39°C. Srinagar, the summer capital, saw a high of 32.2 °C.
Pahalgam, a well-known tourist resort, saw its second-highest May temperature in 23 years, at 28.6 °C. This is slightly lower than the all-time high of 30.8 °C set on May 23, 2000.
Similarly, Kokernag, another famous tourist destination, had its second-highest maximum temperature in 22 years, at 31.6 °C. The previous record temperature was 32.6 °C, set on May 15, 2001.
The Meteorological Department predicts dry weather until May 29; however, isolated thunderstorms are also predicted. From May 30 to 31, partly to mostly overcast skies with light rain or thunder are likely in isolated places.
Similar weather is expected from June 1 to 2, with another dry spell predicted for June 3 to 5.
The heat wave is predicted to continue across the plains of Jammu Division in the next week.
However, between May 30 and June 2, sections of the Kashmir Division and mountainous areas of the Jammu Division may receive some respite. A fresh heat wave is expected to begin on June 3.
With another heat wave on the horizon, officials advise citizens to avoid extended sun exposure and to remain hydrated while moving out.
Furthermore, the IMD issued a 'yellow' alert for prevailing heat wave conditions in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
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