Heatwave Grips Kashmir as Srinagar Sizzles at 34°C, Jammu Hottest at 37.6°C

Jammu and Kashmir continued to reel under intense heat on Saturday, with several weather stations recording maximum temperatures well above normal, indicating persistent heatwave-like conditions across the Valley.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) , Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 34.0°C, which is 4.4°C above normal, while Qazigund registered 32.8°C, marking the highest departure of 5.3°C above normal among major stations.

Kupwara recorded 33.5°C (3.5°C above normal), Kokernag 30.9°C (3.6°C above normal), Gulmarg 24.4°C (3.9°C above normal) and Pahalgam 26.9°C, which was 2.2°C above normal.

Night temperatures also remained above average across the Valley. Srinagar recorded a minimum of 20.0°C, 2.7°C above normal, while Pahalgam witnessed the highest positive departure in minimum temperature at 3.1°C above normal.

In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded a maximum temperature of 37.6°C, 1.6°C above normal, while Katra registered 34.0°C, Banihal 31.2°C, Batote 28.2°C and Bhaderwah 31.4°C, all remaining slightly above their seasonal averages.

The IMD data also showed no rainfall in most parts of Jammu and Kashmir during the day, with only a few stations recording light precipitation during the previous 24 hours.

The continued rise in temperatures, particularly across the Kashmir Valley, has intensified discomfort, with several stations recording departures between 2°C and 5°C above normal, reflecting prevailing heatwave conditions in many areas. (JKNS)