Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir – An unprecedented heatwave is gripping the Kashmir Valley, with independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif Keng warning that Srinagar’s temperatures may surpass 35°C over the next three days. The forecast, reported by Kashmir Observer and JK Updates on June 18, 2025, comes amid a prolonged dry spell and a 26% rainfall deficit in June, exacerbating discomfort for residents in the summer capital.
The Meteorological Department (MeT) reported that Srinagar recorded a scorching 32.5°C on June 18, with temperatures consistently above normal across Jammu and Kashmir. Other regions, including Katra at 35.2°C and Jammu city at 37.6°C, are also reeling under the heat. The deficit in precipitation, particularly severe in Samba (72%) and Kathua (62%), has left most districts, including Srinagar, Budgam, and Baramulla, with below-normal rainfall.
“The temperature in Srinagar may go up above 35 degrees Celsius,” he said, raising concerns about heat stress among vulnerable populations.
Residents are adapting to the unseasonal heat, with shopkeepers in Srinagar reporting increased sales of cold beverages, fans, and summer clothing. Many are avoiding outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours, opting for early morning or evening tasks to escape the harsh sun. A senior health official urged people to stay hydrated and limit sun exposure to prevent heat-related illnesses.
The MeT department forecasts dry weather until June 20, with a slight chance of brief rain, thundershowers, and gusty winds at isolated locations. Relief may arrive on June 21-22, when moderate to heavy rain is expected in parts of the Jammu division, potentially triggering flash floods or landslides in vulnerable areas. For Srinagar, cloudy skies with intermittent showers are likely during this period, offering some respite.
The city also recorded 34.4°C on May 22, the third-highest May temperature in 133 years. If temperatures cross 35°C, it could approach Srinagar’s all-time high of 36.4°C, set in 1968.
As the Valley grapples with soaring temperatures, calls for summer vacations are growing louder, with residents and health officials urging authorities to address the heat’s impact on daily life.
