Srinagar, May 20: Heatwave continued to sweep parts of Jammu division on Wednesday as the Meteorological Department forecast thunderstorms, gusty winds and hailstorms across Jammu and Kashmir over the next two days.
According to the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, scattered to many places in both Kashmir and Jammu divisions are likely to witness light rain, thundershowers and gusty winds during the afternoon and evening hours on May 21.
The weather office also issued an advisory warning of thunder, lightning, hailstorm and gusty winds with speeds of 40-50 kmph, gusting to over 60 kmph, at a few places during the period.
Officials informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that generally dry weather is expected between May 22 and 25, although isolated to scattered areas may receive brief afternoon showers. The weather is likely to remain hot and dry from May 26 to 28.
Jammu recorded a maximum temperature of 42 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, nearly four degrees above normal, while Kathua emerged as the hottest place in the Union Territory at 43.8 degrees Celsius, around 5.7 degrees above normal.
Samba also recorded intense heat with the mercury settling at 45.7 degrees Celsius.
In Kashmir division, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 30.7 degrees Celsius, 5.3 degrees above normal for this time of the season. Qazigund settled at 30.2 degrees Celsius, while Kupwara recorded 28.3 degrees Celsius.
Pahalgam, one of the Valley’s tourist destinations, recorded a maximum temperature of 22.4 degrees Celsius and Gulmarg settled at 21.6 degrees Celsius.
The minimum temperature in Srinagar was recorded at 17.8 degrees Celsius, over six degrees above normal, indicating warmer-than-usual nights across the Valley.
The MeT office advised people, particularly in vulnerable areas, to remain cautious during thunderstorms and avoid open spaces during lightning activity.
Authorities also warned of possible disruption in outdoor activities due to gusty winds and isolated hailstorms in some districts. (KNO)
