Jammu: Kashmir Valley experienced a sharp rise in temperatures on Sunday, with Srinagar recording the season’s hottest day at 33.8°C, while Jammu region continued to remain under intense heatwave conditions with temperatures nearing 39°C, according to the Meteorological Department.
Officials said clear skies and strong sunshine since morning led to a significant rise in day temperatures across the Valley, pushing mercury levels well above normal in most stations.
In Srinagar, the maximum temperature settled at 33.8°C, which is 3.8 degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature was recorded at 19.7°C, also above the seasonal average.
The Valley’s entry point, Qazigund, recorded a maximum temperature of 32.2°C, which is 5.0 degrees above normal, while minimum temperature stood at 17.2°C. In Pahalgam, the maximum temperature was 27.7°C, and in Gulmarg, it reached 24.8°C, both reflecting above-normal trends across tourist destinations.
Kupwara recorded a maximum of 31.2°C, while Kokernag registered 30.4°C, indicating widespread warming across the Kashmir division.
In Jammu division, heatwave conditions remained intense as Jammu city recorded a maximum temperature of around 38.3°C to 38.5°C, significantly above normal, while Kathua emerged as one of the hottest stations at 39.2°C. Katra also recorded high temperatures at 35.6°C, adding to discomfort for residents and pilgrims.
Udhampur, Rajouri and other parts of the region also witnessed above-normal temperatures, with weather conditions remaining largely dry and hot during the day.
The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has forecast generally dry weather during morning and daytime on June 29, with chances of light rain or thundershowers at isolated places during late afternoon or evening, accompanied by gusty winds.
From June 30 to July 3, the weather is expected to remain partly unstable with possibilities of light to moderate rain and thunderstorms at several locations. Officials warned that some areas may experience intense showers, lightning, strong winds and even hailstorms during late afternoon hours.
The IMD has also issued advisories indicating risks of landslides, mudslides, shooting stones and flash floods in vulnerable areas of both Kashmir and Jammu divisions during the upcoming weather activity.
Officials said that while Kashmir continues to witness rising daytime temperatures, Jammu remains under persistent heatwave-like conditions, with little immediate relief expected in the short term.
Residents and tourists have been advised to stay hydrated, avoid direct exposure to sunlight during peak hours and follow weather updates closely in view of changing conditions across the Union Territory.
