J&K braces for 5-day heatwave

Srinagar, Jun 9: The Meteorological Department (MeT) has forecast a five-day long heatwave in Jammu and Kashmir beginning Monday, with temperatures expected to soar 4 degrees Celsius above the seasonal average, intensifying health concerns and prompting government advisories across J&K.

The extreme heat alert follows a dramatic weather reversal in late May, when an unusual spell of rainfall and snowfall in upper reaches brought a sharp dip in temperatures, with Kashmir experiencing maximum temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius.

The sudden transition from wintry chill to oppressive heat is being seen by experts as a strong indication of climate change and atmospheric instability in J&K.

ìThis is the second significant heatwave within a month,î MeT officials said, adding that such fluctuations in short periods are highly abnormal for this time of year.

ìTemperatures are rising quickly, especially in Jammu where we expect them to cross 43 degrees Celsius in some districts. This is the most intense heat spell of the season so far.î

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the heatwave will persist from June 9 (Monday) to June 13 (Friday).

The mercury has already begun to surge with Samba district in the Jammu region recording a scorching 44 degrees Celsius, the highest in J&K.

Jammu city touched 42.7 degrees Celsius on Sunday, a significant rise from 40.2 degrees Celsius on Saturday.

Other areas like Reasi with 38.5 degrees Celsius, Katra with 38.2 degrees Celsius, and Rajouri with 35.9 degrees Celsius are also facing sweltering conditions.

In the relatively cooler Kashmir, Srinagar recorded a high of 33.3 degrees Celsius about 5.3 degrees Celsius above the average while tourist spots like Pahalgam and Gulmarg offered some respite with 28.7 degrees Celsius and 23 degrees Celsius.

Other areas like Kokernag with 30.8 degrees Celsius, Bhaderwah, Banihal, and Batote with 33.6 degrees Celsius, and Poonch with 35.4 degrees Celsius are also experiencing unusual warmth.

As J&K grapples with extreme weather variations, the IMD and health authorities have urged residents, particularly vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and pregnant women to take extra precautions.

Recommendations include staying indoors during peak afternoon hours, drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, wearing light, breathable cotton clothing, avoiding strenuous physical activity in the sun, and using hats or umbrellas when stepping out.

Experts have raised alarm over the increasing frequency and severity of weather extremes in J&K.

From unexpected snowfall and rainfall in late May to heatwaves twice within one month, the region is witnessing what meteorologists term ìclimate-induced anomalies.î