Srinagar, April 27, 2025 – The Meteorological Department has forecast a prolonged dry spell and potential heat wave across Jammu and Kashmir, with hot and dry conditions expected to persist until May 1, 2025. The advisory, issued by the department’s Srinagar center, warns of rising temperatures, particularly in the Jammu division, where heat wave conditions are likely at isolated places. Residents are urged to take precautions as the region braces for unseasonably warm weather.
The forecast follows a period of heavy rainfall and landslides in the region, which caused significant disruption, including the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. However, the weather has since shifted dramatically, with no significant precipitation expected until early May. Light rain is possible at isolated locations on May 2–3, offering minimal relief. The department attributes the dry spell to a pause in wet weather systems, with temperatures already climbing 5–8°C above normal in many areas, including Srinagar (22°C) and Jammu (32°C).
In the Jammu division, the advisory highlights the risk of heat wave conditions, particularly in low-lying areas. The department has advised people to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor work between 12 PM and 3 PM, wear light-colored clothing, and consume water-rich foods. Farmers, previously encouraged to resume operations during an earlier dry spell in April, are now cautioned to monitor crops for heat stress, as the lack of rainfall could strain water resources. The absence of wet weather systems is expected to exacerbate challenges for agriculture and water supply in the region.
The heat wave warning aligns with broader predictions from the India Meteorological Department, which has forecast an intense summer across northern, central, and eastern India, with above-normal heat wave days. While Jammu and Kashmir was initially expected to escape the worst of the summer heat, the current forecast suggests that the Jammu division, in particular, may face conditions similar to those in neighboring states like Rajasthan and Punjab, where temperatures have recently soared to 46.4°C. The department’s advisory also urges travelers and transporters to stay updated on weather conditions, as rising temperatures could affect road travel.
Public health officials have echoed the department’s concerns, emphasizing the need for vulnerable groups, such as children and the elderly, to avoid prolonged exposure to heat. The advisory comes at a time when the region is recovering from recent security challenges, with authorities keen to ensure public safety amid changing environmental conditions. As the dry spell continues, the focus remains on mitigating the impacts of heat and conserving water resources in a region already grappling with climatic variability.
