SRINAGAR: Several parts of Kashmir witnessed heatwave-like conditions on Sunday, with maximum temperatures settling significantly above normal levels across the Valley, official weather data revealed.
According to figures compiled by Kashmir Weather, Srinagar and Kupwara recorded the highest maximum temperature of 32.6°C, 4.8°C and 4.1°C above normal, respectively. Qazigund registered 32.2°C, nearly 5.7°C above normal, while Kokernag touched 30.8°C, marking a 5.3°C departure. The tourist resort of Pahalgam saw 27.2°C, 3.3°C above normal, whereas Gulmarg recorded 23.8°C, 5.2°C above normal.
In Jammu region, the city of Jammu reported 33.8°C, 1.1°C above normal. Banihal stood at 29.2°C, 1.5°C above normal, while Batote logged 26.1°C, 0.4°C higher than average. Bhaderwah reported 29.5°C, 1.5°C above normal. Katra, however, recorded a slight relief with 28.2°C, 1.8°C below normal.
Meanwhile, Ladakh also experienced warmer conditions with Leh recording 25.6°C and Kargil 29.1°C.
Meteorological experts attribute the unusual rise in temperatures to prolonged dry weather, cautioning that the region may continue to experience hotter-than-usual days in the coming week if there is no change in prevailing weather patterns.
