Owais Gul
Srinagar, Jun 11: As the intense heatwave continued across Jammu and Kashmir, the region’s winter capital, Jammu, has figured among the top hottest spots across the globe.
As per an Independent Weather Forecaster, Faizan Arif Keng, Jammu ranked the 68th hottest spot in the world at 44.4°C, which was the season’s hottest day in the region.
Jammu and Kashmir simmered amidst the intense heatwave conditions that continued for the third straight day on Wednesday, with Qazigund, a gateway of Kashmir, surpassing the previous records and witnessing a maximum temperature of 34.6°C.
According to the details obtained by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Jammu, the winter capital of the region, has once again recorded the hottest day of the season at 44.4°C.
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, has recorded a day temperature of 33.9°C.
However, Keng said the mercury in Qazigund settled at 34.6°C, which was the third highest maximum temperature in the month of June since 1962.
Wednesday’s temperature also clashes with 34.6°C recorded on 23 June 2023. The 2nd highest temperature in Qazigund is 35.3°C recorded on 27 June 1988, while the all-time highest temperature is 35.7°C recorded on 26 June 1988, Keng said.
Moreover, Pahalgam recorded a day temperature of 28.8°C while Kokernag and Kupwara recorded 32.8°C each. Gulmarg, a famous ski resort, recorded a maximum temperature of 24.0°C.
Jammu division also recorded above normal temperatures. Katra station recorded a day temperature of 40.6°C while Banihal recorded 34.1°C.
In Batote, the mercury settled at 33.3°C while Bhaderwah recorded 34.4°C.
Moreover, Director Meteorological department, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, predicted generally hot & dry weather conditions till June 13.
He said that a brief spell of light rain and thundershower is expected at isolated to scattered places, accompanied by thunder and gusty winds from June 14 to 17.
Ahmad said that generally hot & dry weather is expected from June 18 to 20.
In its advisory, the MeT has predicted a severe heatwave at scattered places of J&K during the next three days. “Take sufficient fluid, water & avoid outdoor activities during peak intensity (12 noon to 4 PM),” the advisory reads, adding that the farmers are advised to continue farm operations—(KNO)