Srinagar: Kashmir witnessed an unusual spike in temperatures on Friday, with several places across the Valley recording day temperatures far above seasonal averages amid an extended dry spell across Jammu and Kashmir.
According to data accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 31.7 degrees Celsius, which was 7.6 degrees above normal for this time of the year.
Among other places in Kashmir, Sopore emerged as one of the hottest locations in the Valley at 32.1°C.
Qazigund recorded 31.0°C, Kupwara 29.5°C, Kokernag 28.6°C and Gulmarg 23.0°C.
Tourist resort Pahalgam recorded 25.2°C, while Beerwah in Budgam registered 28.7°C and Aloosa in Bandipora recorded 30.3°C.
In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded 35.1°C, Katra 32.0°C, Banihal 30.0°C, Bhaderwah 28.8°C and Batote 24.6°C.
The Meteorological Department said weather conditions are expected to remain generally dry till the evening of May 10, although brief showers may occur at isolated places during evening and night hours.
However, from May 11 to May 13, the MeT department has forecast generally cloudy weather with one or two spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers at many places across Jammu and Kashmir.
The department has also predicted hailstorms, thunder, lightning and gusty winds with speeds of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour at isolated places during the period.
Officials said day temperatures are likely to fall by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius across many areas between May 11 and May 13 due to the expected weather activity.
In view of the forecast, farmers have been advised to continue farm operations till May 10 before weather conditions deteriorate.
Six-month rainfall deficit raises fears of water crisis in J&K
Jammu and Kashmir has recorded below-normal precipitation for six consecutive months, raising concerns about a possible water crisis, declining river discharge and reduced hydroelectric power generation in the Union Territory.
According to weather data accessed by KNO, Jammu and Kashmir received 86.5 mm rainfall in April against the normal average of 99.6 mm, registering a 13 per cent deficit.
The continued rainfall deficit follows seven consecutive winters of below-normal precipitation, intensifying fears over water availability during the coming summer months.
Weather observers and experts warned that if the dry spell continues, drinking water supply in several far-flung areas may be severely affected.
They said streams, rivers and springs across many districts were already flowing below normal levels, which could also impact irrigation facilities and hydroelectric power generation dependent on water discharge.
Data revealed significant rainfall deficits across several districts of Kashmir during April.
Shopian recorded the highest deficit at 67 per cent after receiving only 33.9 mm rainfall against the normal 102.1 mm.
Kathua recorded a 60 per cent shortfall, while Anantnag registered 46 per cent below-normal rainfall.
Kulgam recorded a 39 per cent deficit, Pulwama 38 per cent, Budgam 34 per cent and Srinagar 32 per cent below normal precipitation.
Kishtwar registered a 26 per cent deficit, followed by Ganderbal at 23 per cent, while Bandipora and Baramulla each recorded a 13 per cent shortfall.
Officials and weather observers warned that continued precipitation deficit may further reduce water levels in the Jhelum River and several streams during peak summer.
However, some districts in the Jammu region recorded surplus rainfall during April.
Samba registered the highest surplus at 96 per cent, followed by Rajouri at 46 per cent and Reasi at 40 per cent.
Jammu and Udhampur each recorded 15 per cent excess rainfall, while Poonch received 14 per cent above-normal precipitation.
Kupwara, Ramban and Doda also recorded marginal rainfall surpluses during the month—(KNO)
