Srinagar, April 16, 2025: Srinagar experienced its second highest maximum temperature ever recorded in April, reaching 30.4°C on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, according to the Meteorological Department . This temperature, 10.2°C above the seasonal average, marked the hottest April day in the city in nearly eight decades, with the all-time record of 31.1°C set on April 20, 1946. The surge in temperatures was observed across the Kashmir Valley, with several stations reporting maximums 8-11°C above normal.
The Director of the Meteorological Department, Kashmir, forecasted a moderate spell of rain and snow across Jammu and Kashmir starting April 18, 2025, which may provide relief from the unseasonal heat. The anticipated precipitation is expected to impact both the Kashmir Valley and higher-altitude areas, potentially bringing light to moderate snowfall in elevated regions.
The unusual heatwave has raised concerns among residents and officials, with preparations underway to mitigate potential impacts on agriculture and water resources. The Vande Bharat Express, stationed at Katra for its postponed inaugural run on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), is designed to operate in such extreme weather conditions, equipped with advanced climate control systems.