Srinagar, May 18 -- Srinagar- Jammu and Kashmir continued to witness hot and dry weather on Monday, with temperatures remaining several degrees above normal across many parts of the Union Territory, even as the Meteorological Department forecast rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds from May 19 onwards.

According to data shared by 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, nearly seven degrees above the seasonal average.

The tourist destinations of Gulmarg and Pahalgam also witnessed warmer-than-usual conditions. Gulmarg reco...