SRINAGAR: As summer tightens its grip across Jammu and Kashmir, the Valley continues to experience rising but tolerable temperatures, while the Jammu region remains firmly in the grip of a severe heat wave. Samba reached a scorching 44 degrees Celsius—the highest in the region so far this season.
Srinagar recorded a maximum of 31.9 degrees Celsius on Sunday, nearly four degrees above normal for this time of year. While warm, the temperature remains far more manageable than in the southern districts. Tourist destinations in the Valley, including Gulmarg and Pahalgam, relieved visitors and locals alike, recording 22.2 degrees Celsius and 27.8 degrees Celsius respectively. Kokernag touched 30.9 degrees.
But in Jammu, the sun has been relentless. Jammu city itself recorded 42.7 degrees on Sunday — its highest this season — while Saturday’s temperature had stood at 40.2 degrees. The intense heat is expected to persist through the week.
According to the India Meteorological Department, dry and hot weather will dominate the region for the next five days, though a brief spell of windstorm followed by thundershowers is likely in parts of Jammu on the evening of June 9.
Samba emerged as the hottest district, nearing 44 degrees Celsius, followed by Reasi at 38.5, Katra at 38.2, and Rajouri at 35.9. Bhaderwah, Banihal and Batote, with maximums hovering between 31 and 32 degrees, were relatively milder. Kishtwar saw 30.9 degrees, while Poonch reached 35.4 degrees. This is said to be the season’s highest temperature in Jammu so far. The next five to six days, reports suggest, the temperature will see a further rise.
Experts believe the monsoon is advancing faster than usual and is expected to arrive in Jammu and Kashmir during the third week of June. Pre-monsoon showers are likely in the Jammu area around June 20–21, according to the agricultural meteorological outlook.
Until then, residents of Jammu, Samba, and Kathua are bracing for more days of blistering heat, while the Valley, though warm, remains a more temperate refuge in comparison.
