The summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, has recorded its hottest May day in almost 60 years, with the temperature soaring to 34.4 degrees Celsius on Thursday. This is nine degrees above the seasonal normal and the third-highest maximum temperature recorded in Srinagar for May since records began 133 years ago.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed the heatwave to a long-drawn spell of dry weather and clear sky, mainly due to the lack of strong western disturbances over the region. Other places in the Kashmir Valley also faced extreme temperatures, with Qazigund and Kokernag recording high temperatures.
Meanwhile, North India witnessed turbulent weather patterns, with thunderstorms and rainfall disrupting lives and travel. The IMD forecasts some respite for Srinagar and other parts of Jammu and Kashmir, with temperatures expected to fluctuate between 26°C and 34°C, and chances of cloud cover and scattered rainfall.
Heatwave Impact
The rising temperatures in traditionally cooler regions like Srinagar, coupled with erratic rain patterns in the west and south, signal growing climatic anomalies. Weather scientists note that such deviations in temperature and rainfall intensity are becoming more frequent and widespread due to climate change and urban heat effects.