𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐝-𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐰𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐉𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐮 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐊𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐢𝐫

On May 22, Srinagar experienced its hottest day in May in over five decades, recording a maximum temperature of 34.4°C—marking the third-highest May temperature in 133 years. This follows the record of 36.4°C on May 24, 1968, and 35°C on May 31, 1956. On the same day, Kokernag recorded its highest-ever May temperature at 33.3°C, surpassing the 2001 record.

The Meteorological Department forecast indicates hot and dry weather from May 23 to 31, with chances of brief rainfall or thundershowers at scattered locations, especially during late afternoons. Maximum temperatures are expected to rise by 1–2°C across the Kashmir Division, with a potential heatwave at isolated spots, followed by a slight cooling of 2–3°C. In the Jammu Division, a 2–3°C rise is predicted with heatwave risks in some areas through May 26. Isolated gusty winds and thunderstorms may also occur.

Thursday’s temperature in Srinagar was 9.0°C above the seasonal norm, with a minimum of 15.4°C—3.4°C higher than usual. Jammu city recorded a high of 38.5°C (just 0.1°C above normal) and a low of 26.5°C (1.5°C above average), with humidity levels dropping from 43% to 28%.

Katra saw a high of 36.2°C and a minimum of 23.9°C. Banihal recorded 31.0°C—4.1°C above normal—with a low of 15.4°C. Batote’s high reached 29.2°C, and Bhaderwah experienced a 32.1°C peak.

In the typically cooler areas, Pahalgam hit 27.8°C—5.6°C above normal. Gulmarg reached 25.4°C, exceeding its average by 8.8°C. Kupwara saw 31.6°C (5.3°C above normal), Kokernag 33.3°C (9.2°C above), and Qazigund 33.5°C (8.9°C above normal).

The ongoing heatwave has impacted most regions of Jammu & Kashmir, prompting authorities to advise residents to take necessary precautions to stay safe in the rising temperatures.