Samba hottest in J-K as mercury soars to 45.7 deg C, unrelenting heatwave grips Jammu region

A severe heatwave gripped the Jammu region and Kashmir Valley on Wednesday, with temperatures soaring up to 45.7 degrees Celsius in Samba.

Heatwave conditions prevailed in Jammu region as several areas witnessed unusually high temperatures on Wednesday, with Samba emerging the hottest in the Union territory at 45.7 degrees Celsius, 7 degrees above normal, while Jammu recorded 43.1 degrees Celsius.

According to the meteorological office, Kathua logged 43.8 degrees Celsius, 5.7 degrees above normal.

Katra also experienced intense heat at 39 degrees Celsius, Ramban sizzled at 42.5 degrees Celsius, while Udhampur recorded 40.2 degrees Celsius, it said.

MeT data showed that Banihal recorded 31 degrees Celsius, Batote 30.6 degrees Celsius and Bhaderwah 30.4 degrees Celsius, all above the seasonal average.

In Kashmir Valley, Srinagar recorded a maximum of 30.7 degrees Celsius, 5.3 degrees above normal.

The maximum settled at 30.2 degrees Celsius in Qazigund, while Kupwara and Kokernag recorded 28.3 degrees Celsius and 29.2 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Tourist resorts Gulmarg and Pahalgam also witnessed above-normal temperatures. Gulmarg recorded 21.6 degrees Celsius, 5 degrees above normal, while Pahalgam logged 22.4 degrees Celsius.

The MeT department said no significant rainfall was recorded in most parts of the Union territory during the past 24 hours, except traces in Pahalgam and light rainfall in Kokernag and Bandipora.

The weather office has issued advisories in view of the prevailing heatwave conditions, particularly in Jammu region, urging people to take precautions against heat-related illnesses.

Amid the intense summer heat, the Jammu Municipal Corporation deployed tankers to spray water on city roads. This operation is designed to control rising temperatures, and provide temporary relief to pedestrians and commuters.