Jammu: Intense heatwave conditions tightened their grip over the Jammu region on Wednesday with Samba emerging as the hottest station in Jammu and Kashmir at a scorching 43.3 degrees Celsius, while most parts of the Kashmir Valley continued to witness comparatively pleasant weather under dry conditions, according to the Meteorological Centre Srinagar.
The weather office said maximum day temperatures remained up to 3 degrees Celsius below normal in many parts of Kashmir division, while most places in Jammu division recorded temperatures near normal.
Kathua recorded a high of 41.8°C, nearly 2.4 degrees above normal, while Jammu city registered 40°C. Pilgrim town Katra also experienced sweltering conditions with the mercury settling at 37.7°C, around 1.7 degrees above normal.
Among other stations in the Jammu region, Udhampur recorded 38°C, Rajouri 36.4°C, Poonch 35.6°C, Batote 28.5°C and Bhaderwah 28°C. Banihal recorded a maximum temperature of 26.7°C.
In the Kashmir Valley, weather conditions remained largely pleasant. Qazigund was the hottest station in the Valley at 26.4°C, followed closely by Srinagar and Konibal at 26°C each. Kukernag recorded 25.5°C, Kupwara 23.8°C, Pahalgam 20.6°C and Gulmarg remained the coolest tourist destination at 16.6°C.
Night temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir remained mostly near normal. Pahalgam recorded the lowest minimum temperature in Kashmir division at 5.6°C, while Bhaderwah was the coldest in Jammu division at 10.2°C.
The MeT department said dry weather prevailed across the Union Territory during the past 24 hours, with no rainfall recorded in either Jammu or Kashmir divisions.
Humidity levels remained relatively high in several parts of Kashmir, with Kupwara recording evening relative humidity of 76 per cent, while Jammu region continued to experience comparatively dry and hot conditions.
According to the local forecast issued by the Meteorological Centre, Srinagar and Jammu are likely to witness mainly clear skies on Thursday with chances of very light rain or thunderstorm activity at isolated places.
The weather office has predicted a maximum temperature of around 27°C and minimum of 13°C for Srinagar on Thursday, while Jammu is expected to remain hot with temperatures hovering around 41°C and minimum temperature near 25°C.
Officials have advised people in the Jammu region to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours and stay hydrated as hot and dry conditions are expected to persist over the next few days.
