Jammu is currently experiencing a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring. Samba recorded the highest temperature at 44 degrees Celsius, while Jammu city itself reached 42.7 degrees Celsius, the season’s highest so far. The Meteorological Department predicts these severe heatwave conditions will continue for the next five days, with a slight possibility of a windstorm and thundershowers on the evening of Monday, June 9th.
Dr. Mahender Singh, Chief Scientist at SKUAST-Jammu’s Agrometeorology Department, warned that temperatures are expected to rise further in the coming 5-6 days. He emphasized the health risks posed by increasing ultraviolet (UV) ray intensity and advised the public to avoid direct sun exposure between 11 am and 4 pm, especially protecting children and the elderly. Staying well-hydrated by consuming plenty of fluids is also strongly recommended.
In positive news regarding the monsoon, Dr. Singh stated that it is expected to arrive a week earlier this year, entering Jammu & Kashmir during the third week of June. Pre-monsoon showers are anticipated in the Jammu area around June 20-21.
Other parts of the region also recorded high temperatures: Katra at 38.2 degrees Celsius, Bhaderwah at 31.8, Banihal at 32.5, Batote at 32.3, Rajouri at 35.9, Poonch at 35.4, Kishtwar at 30.9, and Reasi at 38.5 degrees Celsius. Even Srinagar saw a maximum temperature of 31.9 degrees Celsius, about 4 degrees above normal. Tourist destinations like Gulmarg recorded 22.2 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam 27.8, and Kokernag 30.9 degrees Celsius.
