Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, May 9 

Temperatures across Indian Kashmir rose sharply above seasonal averages on Friday as dry weather conditions persisted across the Himalayan region, with Srinagar recording one of its hottest days of the season, meteorological officials said.

The summer capital Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 31.7 degrees Celsius (89.1°F), 7.6 degrees above normal for this time of the year, according to data from the Meteorological Department.

The city had crossed the 30-degree mark for the first time this season on Thursday before temperatures climbed further a day later.

Other parts of the Kashmir Valley also witnessed unusually warm conditions. Qazigund in south Kashmir recorded 31 degrees Celsius, nearly eight degrees above normal, while the tourist resort of Pahalgam registered 25.2 degrees Celsius.

Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded 29.5 degrees Celsius and Kokernag 28.6 degrees Celsius, both remaining above seasonal averages.

The ski resort of Gulmarg, known for its mild summer weather, recorded 23 degrees Celsius, more than eight degrees above normal, officials said.

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

In the Jammu region, the winter capital Jammu recorded a maximum temperature of 35.1 degrees Celsius, slightly below normal for the season, while Banihal, Bhaderwah and Katra also witnessed above-average temperatures.

Meteorological officials attributed the rise in temperatures to prevailing dry weather conditions across most parts of Jammu and Kashmir.

The weather department said dry conditions were expected to continue through Saturday, although cloud cover could increase later in the day.

A fresh western disturbance is likely to affect the region between May 11 and May 13, bringing rain and thundershowers to several parts of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

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