Srinagar sizzles at 31.7 °C, 7.6 notches above normal

Srinagar, May 9:Several parts of Kashmir recorded temperatures well above normal on Saturday as dry and warm weather conditions continued across Jammu and Kashmir.

 According to Meteorological Department (MeT) data, the summer capital ,Srinagar witnessed one of the hottest days of the season at 31.7 degrees Celsius, 7.6 notches above normal for this time of the year.

The mercury touched the 30-degree mark on Friday for the first time this season before climbing past 31 degrees Celsius a day later.

Qazigund in south Kashmir recorded 31 degrees Celsius, 7.8 degrees above normal, while the tourist resort of Pahalgam registered 25.2 degrees Celsius, 4.5 degrees above normal.

Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded 29.5 degrees Celsius, while Kokernag settled at 28.6 degrees Celsius; both stations remained above seasonal averages.

The ski resort of Gulmarg also recorded unusually warm conditions as the mercury settled at 23 degrees Celsius, 8.3 degrees above normal.

Among other areas, Sopore recorded 32.1 degrees Celsius, Budgam 28.7 degrees Celsius and Bandipora 30.3 degrees Celsius.

In the Jammu region, Jammu recorded a maximum temperature of 35.1 degrees Celsius, which was 1.7 degrees below normal.

Banihal registered 30 degrees Celsius, more than four degrees above normal, while Bhaderwah recorded 28.8 degrees Celsius. Batote and Katra settled at 24.6 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Officials said the prevailing dry weather conditions led to a sharp rise in daytime temperatures across most parts of the Union Territory.

The weather is expected to remain dry on Sunday, with temperatures likely to stay around the same level, although cloud cover may increase later in the day.

The MeT forecasts a fresh western disturbance from May 11 to May 13, likely to bring rain and thundershowers to several parts of Jammu and Kashmir.

“There is also a possibility of hailstorms, lightning and gusty winds with speeds of 40 to 50 kmph at a few places,” an official said.