Srinagar, May 19 -- Jammu and Kashmir witnessed hot and dry weather on Monday, with several places recording above normal temperatures, while the Meteorological Department forecast rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds from May 19 onwards.

According to the MeT Department, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 31.5 degrees Celsius, which was 6.1 degrees above normal for this time of the year. Qazigund registered 33 degrees Celsius, 8.6 degrees above normal, while Kokernag recorded 30.8 degrees Celsius, seven degrees above normal.

The tourist resort of Gulmarg recorded a maximum temperature of 23.6 degrees Celsius, 7.3 degrees above normal, while Pahalgam settled at 26.4 degrees Celsius, 4.5 degrees above normal. Kupwara recorded 29.5 ...