Authorities issue heatwave advisory
Srinagar/Jammu, May 18: Jammu and Kashmir continued to witness intense heat conditions on Monday as temperatures remained significantly above normal across most parts of the Union Territory, prompting authorities in Jammu to issue a heat wave advisory urging people to take precautions against extreme weather conditions.
According to the Meteorological Department, no rainfall was recorded anywhere in Jammu and Kashmir during the past 24 hours, while dry weather conditions prevailed across the region.
Data issued by the Meteorological Centre Srinagar showed that Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 31.5 degrees Celsius, which was 6.1 degrees above normal for this time of the season. The minimum temperature in the summer capital settled at 13.6 degrees Celsius.
Several stations across Kashmir division also recorded unusually high temperatures. Qazigund remained among the hottest stations in the Valley during the day, while Pahalgam recorded 26.4 degrees Celsius. Kupwara registered 29.5 degrees Celsius, Kukernag 30.8 degrees Celsius, and Gulmarg 23.6 degrees Celsius, all considerably above seasonal averages.
The MeT Department said from May 19 to 21 sky will remain partly cloudy with spells of light rain, thundershowers, gusty winds and hailstorms at scattered to many places, mainly during afternoon and evening hours.
It said generally dry weather is expected from May 22 to 25 during the forenoon, although brief showers may occur at isolated to scattered places later in the day.
Dry weather conditions are likely to prevail again between May 26 and 28, the department added.
In the Jammu division, Jammu city continued to experience scorching conditions and recorded a maximum temperature of 41.1 degrees Celsius, around 3 degrees above normal. Authorities said temperatures in the city are likely to soar further, touching nearly 45 degrees Celsius in the coming days.
Katra registered 38.4 degrees Celsius, while Banihal recorded 33.2 degrees Celsius. Batote settled at 31.7 degrees Celsius and Bhadarwah at 32 degrees Celsius during the daytime.
The Meteorological Department said humidity levels remained moderate to low across most weather stations, while night temperatures also stayed above normal in several areas. The continued rise in temperatures has caused discomfort during afternoon hours, particularly in the Jammu region and low-lying areas of Kashmir.
Amid intensifying heat conditions, authorities issued a heat wave advisory for Jammu residents, particularly urging elderly citizens, children and people with health complications to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary movement during peak daytime hours.
Officials warned that prolonged exposure to heat could trigger dehydration, exhaustion and heat-related illnesses. Residents have been advised to remain hydrated throughout the day, avoid stepping outdoors between late morning and afternoon hours unless absolutely necessary, and wear light cotton clothing along with umbrellas or head coverings while venturing outside.
Authorities also asked people to keep homes properly ventilated and consume sufficient fluids, including water and other hydrating drinks, to prevent dehydration during extreme heat conditions.
Special caution has been issued for vulnerable groups, with families advised not to allow children, elderly persons or those suffering from health complications to remain outdoors for extended periods during the daytime.
Authorities further warned residents against leaving children or elderly persons inside parked vehicles, stating that enclosed vehicles can become dangerously hot within minutes under prevailing weather conditions.
Officials said water sprinkling vehicles have been deployed in several parts of Jammu city to spray water on roads and reduce surface temperatures in an effort to provide temporary relief to commuters and pedestrians.
Field workers and sanitation staff operating in outdoor conditions have also been instructed to take precautionary measures, including regular hydration breaks.
People have been urged to immediately seek medical assistance in case of symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, nausea or breathing discomfort during exposure to intense heat.
Weather conditions are expected to remain harsh in the coming days, with authorities closely monitoring the situation. [KNT]
