SRINAGAR, May 28: Amid forecasts for continued dry and hot weather, night temperatures remained above normal across most of Jammu and Kashmir, except for Jammu city, on Tuesday.
According to a meteorological department official, Srinagar recorded a low of 15.4°C, slightly down from 15.6°C the previous night, but still 3.4°C above the seasonal average for the summer capital. Qazigund reported a minimum of 13.5°C, up from 12.4°C the previous night and 2.8°C above normal for this time of year.
Pahalgam experienced a low of 9.3°C, compared to 7.7°C the previous night, which was 3.2°C above normal for the popular resort in south Kashmir. Kokernag recorded a minimum of 13.3°C, just slightly down from 13.6°C, and 2.7°C above normal. Kupwara town saw a minimum of 12.5°C, slightly higher than 12.0°C the previous night, and 1.9°C above average. Gulmarg recorded a minimum of 11.0°C, marginally lower than 11.2°C the previous night, but 3.9°C above normal for the renowned skiing destination in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
Jammu, however, recorded a low of 23.6°C, down from 24.7°C the previous night, which was 1.3°C below normal for the winter capital. Banihal reported a low of 15.2°C, Batote 19.0°C, and Bhaderwah 15.6°C.
The MeT office forecasted generally dry and hot weather through May 29, with a possibility of thundershowers at isolated locations. From May 30-31, partly to generally cloudy weather is expected with light rain or thunderstorms at isolated places. The period from June 1-2 is likely to see partly to generally cloudy weather with light rain or thunder at isolated places, and generally dry weather is expected from June 3-5.
No significant respite from the heat wave or hot and dry weather conditions is anticipated over the plains of Jammu Division in the next seven days. However, slight relief from heat wave conditions is expected during May 30-31 and June 1-2 in most parts of Kashmir Division as well as a few hilly areas of Jammu Division.
“Another spell of heat wave is expected from June 3 onwards,” the official warned, urging people to avoid heat exposure and to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and water.
