Jammu: A severe heatwave continues to grip the Jammu region with temperatures soaring to dangerous levels, while dry and hot conditions are expected to prevail across Jammu and Kashmir over the next seven days. Jammu, Samba, and Kathua have recently recorded temperatures above 40°C, with the mercury expected to rise even further in the coming days.
The weatherman has forecast a severe heatwave lasting at least five more days in Jammu, with a slight weather disturbance expected on Monday evening. This includes predictions of windstorms followed by thundershowers in some parts of the region on June 9.
Dr. Mahender Singh, Chief Scientist at the Agrometeorology Department of SKUAST-Jammu, confirmed that Jammu recently recorded the season’s highest temperature, which will continue to climb over the next five to six days. He also warned about the increasing intensity of ultraviolet (UV) rays posing serious health risks. People are strongly advised to avoid direct sunlight during peak hours, particularly from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Special caution should be taken for children and the elderly, and staying hydrated is crucial during this period.
According to Dr. Singh, the monsoon is advancing earlier than usual by about one week and is expected to enter Jammu and Kashmir by the third week of June. Pre-monsoon showers are anticipated in the Jammu area around June 20-21.
Temperature records show Jammu hitting a maximum of 42.7°C, the highest this season, while the Temple City recorded 40.2°C on Saturday. Samba recorded temperatures close to 44°C, the highest in the region. These temperatures in Jammu, Samba, and Kathua are expected to rise in the coming days.
In the Kashmir plains, temperatures are expected to reach up to 35°C, with Srinagar recording a high of 31.9°C, about 4 degrees above normal. Tourist destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Kokernag saw daytime temperatures of 22.2°C, 27.8°C, and 30.9°C respectively.
Other areas also recorded high temperatures: Katra at 38.2°C, Bhaderwah 31.8°C, Banihal 32.5°C, Batote 32.3°C, Rajouri 35.9°C, Poonch 35.4°C, Kishtwar 30.9°C, and Reasi 38.5°C.
The ongoing heatwave poses a serious challenge to public health and safety in Jammu and Kashmir, with officials urging residents to take all necessary precautions against the severe heat and UV exposure.
