JAMMU, May 22: The Kashmir Valley, along with parts of Jammu, is experiencing an intensifying heat wave, with the Meteorological Department predicting continued hot and dry weather for the next week. Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded its hottest day of the season at 31.6°C.
All stations across Kashmir, including Srinagar, Qazigund, Pahalgam, Kupwara, Kokernag, and Gulmarg, reported significant heat wave conditions. In Qazigund, temperatures reached 31.6°C, 7.6°C above normal. Srinagar’s temperature was 6.8°C above the average.
Pahalgam and Kokernag recorded maximum temperatures of 27.1°C and 30.2°C, respectively, with departures of 5.5°C and 6.6°C above normal. Kupwara and the ski-resort Gulmarg saw highs of 30.2°C and 21.2°C, with deviations of 4.5°C and 5.2°C from the norm.
In the Jammu division, temperatures surpassed 30°C in several places, including Banihal, Batote, Katra, and Bhaderwah. Jammu itself recorded a high of 41.2°C. The Meteorological Department has warned of a severe heat wave in the coming days, with temperatures potentially exceeding 44°C by May 27-28.
Dr. Mahender Singh, senior scientist and in-charge of the Agrometeorology unit at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) Jammu, indicated no major change is expected until the end of the month. Current day temperatures, ranging from 41°C to 42°C, are predicted to rise further.
Historical data shows that Jammu reached an all-time high of 47.4°C on May 26, 1984. Recent records include 42.0°C on May 23, 2023, 43.9°C on May 15, 2022, and 41.6°C on May 27, 2021.
From May 22 to 28, generally dry weather with occasional thundershower activity at isolated places is expected, though no significant weather activity is forecast until May 28. The heat wave is likely to continue over the plains of Jammu, with hot and dry conditions in the hilly districts of Jammu and the plains of Kashmir.
The Agrometeorological division has issued advisories for farmers. Rice farmers are advised to start nursery sowing of early transplanted varieties and treat seeds with Carbendazim or Bavistin before nursery raising. Fields intended for rice transplantation should be prepared with 10-15 tons of farmyard manure (FYM) at least 15 days prior.
Farmers are also advised to deep plough fallow lands to prevent insect pests and weed infestation. For vegetable farming, regular irrigation and ash application on wetted leaves are recommended to control red pumpkin beetles, and timely harvesting of mature fruits is advised to avoid spoilage. Monitoring tomato crops for leaf curl and removing virus-infected plants is crucial. Poultry farmers should provide adequate clean drinking water and maintain farm hygiene, while livestock farmers should ensure access to fresh cool water, shaded areas, and implement measures to reduce heat stress, such as water baths and the use of fans or desert coolers.
The region braces for continued extreme temperatures, emphasizing the need for preparedness and adaptation across various sectors.
