Srinagar: Hot weather conditions continued across J&K on Thursday with Katra, Bhaderwah, Batote recording the new highest March temperatures. The second highest March temperature of the last several years was also recorded in Pahalgam, Qazigund, Kupwara.
The Meteorological Department has forecasted no relief from the high temperatures on Friday. However, a Western Disturbance is likely to affect J&K from Friday evening, which is expected to bring down temperatures.
The unexpected fourfold increase in temperature in the popular ski resort city during the previous few days has been a result of the early melting of snow.
Srinagar recorded temperatures exceeding 26 ℃, compared to an average of 14 degrees.
Batote also set a new all-time highest March temperature record, registered a maximum temperature of 28.3 degrees Celsius, 12.1 degrees above ‘normal’. The previous record was 27.0 degrees Celsius, set on 20 March 2010.
(SMIT SONI)