JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir continues to reel under an intense heatwave as temperatures soar well above seasonal norms across both divisions. Srinagar touched a sweltering 33.9°C, which was 5.9°C above normal, while Jammu recorded a blistering 44.4°C, the ongoing heat spell has gripped the Union Territory with unusual severity. Among the most significant observations, Qazigund in South Kashmir has registered a maximum temperature of 34.6°C, marking the third-highest June temperature ever recorded in valley since 1962. This temperature matches the record set on June 23, 2023, and only trails behind the second-highest of 35.3°C on 27 June 1988 and the all-time highest of 35.7°C on 26 June 1988. Other areas in the Kashmir also reported anomalously high temperatures, Pahalgam: 28.8°C (5.1°C above normal), Kupwara: 32.8°C (4.6°C above normal), Kokernag: 32.8°C (6.6°C above normal) and Gulmarg: 24.0°C (5.2°C above normal). In the Jammu division, extreme conditions continued with Katra: 40.6°C (4.9°C above normal), Banihal: 34.1°C (5.7°C above normal), Batote: 33.3°C (5.5°C above normal) and Bhaderwah: 34.4°C (4.6°C above normal). The relentless heat is being attributed to persistent dry weather and clear skies, allowing intense solar heating during the day. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of severe heat wave conditions at scattered places across J&K for the next three days, urging residents to take precautionary measures. According to the latest weather update by IMD between June 11-13 hot and dry conditions will prevail. Between June 14-17 light rain and thundershowers are likely at isolated to scattered locations, possibly offering slight relief and between June 18-20 a return to hot and dry weather is forecasted.
