Jammu, Apr 27 : A persistent heatwave gripped the Jammu plains, with temperatures staying well above normal, as Sunday saw water bodies and picnic spots witness a heavy turnout of residents seeking relief from the heat.
Jammu recorded a high of 39.4 degrees Celsius (3.7 degrees Celsius above normal) and a low of 23.3 degrees Celsius (0.9 degrees Celsius above average), a Meteorological Department spokesperson said.
Katra, the base camp for pilgrims visiting Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district, was the second-hottest recorded place with a maximum of 35.8 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 19.6 degrees Celsius, he said.
Among other stations, Batote in Ramban district recorded a day temperature of 27.7 degrees Celsius and a night temperature of 14.0 degrees Celsius. Bhaderwah town in Doda district recorded a maximum of 27.2 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 8.0 degrees Celsius.
Rainfall activity remained largely negligible across the region. However, Banihal town along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway recorded 3.0 mm and Batote 2.4 mm of light precipitation.
