Hot weather prevails across J&K

Srinagar, May 18: Jammu and Kashmir continued to witness hot and dry weather on Monday, with several places recording above normal temperatures, while the Meteorological Department forecast rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds from May 19 onwards.
According to the data shared by MeT Department, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 31.5 degrees Celsius, which was 6.1 degrees above normal for this time of the year. Qazigund registered 33 degrees Celsius, 8.6 degrees above normal, while Kokernag recorded 30.8 degrees Celsius, seven degrees above normal.
The tourist resort of Gulmarg recorded a maximum temperature of 23.6 degrees Celsius, 7.3 degrees above normal, while Pahalgam settled at 26.4 degrees Celsius, 4.5 degrees above normal.
In north Kashmir, Kupwara recorded 29.5 degrees Celsius, 3.7 degrees above normal.
Jammu city recorded a maximum temperature of 41.1 degrees Celsius, three degrees above normal, while Katra registered 38.4 degrees Celsius.
Banihal, Batote and Bhaderwah recorded maximum temperatures of 33.2 degrees Celsius, 31.7 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius respectively.
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.
The MeT office has issued an advisory warning of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds with speeds of 40-50 kmph at a few places in Kashmir and Jammu divisions between May 19 and 21.
Authorities have also advised people to suspend boating and shikara rides during afternoon and late afternoon hours due to the possibility of gusty winds over water bodies.
The department urged people, particularly in the plains of Jammu division, to take precautions against hot and dry weather conditions. (KNO)