Winter capital Jammu recorded the hottest day of the season Thursday as the maximum temperature rose to 41.8 degrees Celsius.

An official of the weather office told IANS, "Maximum temperature rose to 41.8 degrees Celsius in Jammu City yesterday, the highest recorded in the season this year so far.

"The temperature is likely to rise further during the next few days as the present heat wave conditions will continue during this period", the official said.

Due to the intense heat, people in the city mostly preferred to remain indoors.

Very sparse traffic moved on the roads as markets wore a deserted look because of the scorching heat in the city.

Although private educational institutions have already closed in the city for the summer vacations, government-run schools are still functioning here as the annual two-month long summer break for these schools is yet to begin.

Weather office has advised people to avoid moving out in heat wave conditions especially during high noon.

"It is advisable to carry an umbrella or cover the back portion of one's head when moving out in scorching heat", said on official of the local MET office.