Heatwave persists in Jammu; IMD issues alert for 5 districts

Jammu Tawi, Apr 26: A persistent heatwave continued to grip the Jammu plains on Sunday, with temperatures remaining significantly above normal and prompting a surge in visitors to water bodies and picnic spots seeking respite from the scorching conditions.

Jammu recorded a maximum temperature of 39.4°C, which is 3.7°C above normal, while the minimum settled at 23.3°C, 0.9°C above average, according to the Meteorological Department. Katra, the base camp for pilgrims visiting Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, emerged as the second hottest location, recording a high of 35.8°C and a low of 19.6°C.

Among other areas, Batote in Ramban district registered a maximum of 27.7°C and a minimum of 14.0°C, while Bhaderwah in Doda district recorded 27.2°C during the day and a cooler 8.0°C at night.

Rainfall activity remained largely negligible across the region, though light precipitation was recorded in Banihal (3.0 mm) and Batote (2.4 mm).

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert for five districts—Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Reasi, and Udhampur—for the next two days. Officials warned of hot and dry conditions with heatwave intensity likely at isolated places on April 26 and 27, advising residents to avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours and stay adequately hydrated.

In contrast, the Kashmir region is expected to witness relatively pleasant weather over the coming days, with possibilities of light rain and thunder accompanied by gusty winds or hailstorms at isolated places on April 27 and 28. The weather is likely to remain dry thereafter. Temperatures in Kashmir have been hovering between 17°C and 22°C, with minimum temperatures around 9°C.