SRINAGAR: Mercury soared to 31.6°C in Srinagar on Wednesday, marking the season’s hottest day and the third-highest temperature recorded in the summer capital during the month of May.
A meteorological department official said that the maximum temperature of 31.6°C was 6.8°C above normal for the season in Srinagar.
“While today’s temperature was the hottest this season, it was the third warmest day recorded in May in a decade, the official said. Previously, Srinagar recorded higher temperatures on 27 May 2020, when the mercury touched 31.7°C, and on 22 May 2016, when it reached 31.9°C,” official said.
Other places also recorded sweltering weather conditions, with Qazigund recording a maximum of 31.6°C, Pahalgam 27.1°C, Kokernag 30.2°C, Kupwara 30.2°C, and Jammu, the winter capital, reaching 41.2°C.
Meanwhile, night temperatures also continued to rise, with Srinagar recording a low of 14.2°C against 13.2°C the previous night, which was 2.5°C above normal for this time of the year.
Qazigund recorded a minimum of 11.6°C against 10.6°C the previous night, which was 1.3°C above normal for the gateway town of Kashmir.
Pahalgam recorded a low of 7.5°C against 6.2°C the previous night, which was 1.3°C above normal for the famous resort in south Kashmir.
Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, recorded a minimum of 11.4°C against 10.8°C, which was 1.3°C above normal.
Kupwara town recorded a minimum of 10.7°C against 10.5°C the previous night, which was 0.3°C above normal.
Gulmarg recorded a minimum of 11.0°C against 8.2°C the previous night, which was 4.2°C above normal for the world-famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
Jammu recorded a low of 27.1°C against 24.7°C the previous night, which was 2.7°C above normal for the winter capital of J&K. Banihal recorded a low of 13.2°C, Batote 17.5°C, and Bhaderwah 14.8°C.
The MeT has forecast mainly dry and hot weather over Jammu and Kashmir during the next few days.
The MeT official said that while no significant weather activity is expected until May 28, a “heat wave” is likely over the plains of the Jammu Division. (GNS)
