Jammu: 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, marking 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 previous records and witnessing a maximum temperature of 34.6°C.
Jammu has once again recorded the hottest day of the season at 44.4°C.
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded a day temperature of 33.9°C.
According to Keng, 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 ties with 34.6°C recorded on 23 June 2023. The second-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.
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 registered 40.6°C, while Banihal recorded 34.1°C. In Batote, the mercury settled at 33.3°C, and Bhaderwah recorded 34.4°C.
Director of the Meteorological Department, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, predicted generally hot and dry weather conditions to continue till June 13.
He added that a brief spell of light rain and thundershowers is expected at isolated to scattered places, accompanied by thunder and gusty winds, from June 14 to 17.
Generally hot and dry weather is expected again from June 18 to 20.
In its advisory, the Meteorological Department has predicted a severe heatwave at scattered places across J&K during the next three days. “Take sufficient fluid, water and avoid outdoor activities during peak intensity (12 noon to 4 PM),” the advisory reads, adding that farmers are advised to continue farm operations.
