Srinagar, July 6, 2025 – Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, experienced an unprecedented heatwave on July 5, 2025, as temperatures soared to 37.4°C, marking the hottest July day in over seven decades. According to the Meteorological (MeT) Department, this temperature is the third-highest ever recorded in the city since 1892 and the highest since July 5, 1953, when the mercury hit 37.7°C. The all-time record remains 38.3°C, recorded on July 10, 1946.The relentless heatwave gripping the Kashmir Valley has not only shattered temperature records but also raised concerns about shifting weather patterns, with experts pointing to global warming and reduced snowfall as contributing factors. The extreme heat has led to dried-up water sources, such as portions of the Jhelum River, and triggered health warnings across the region.Record-Breaking Heat Across KashmirThe maximum temperature of 37.4°C in Srinagar was 7.8 degrees above the seasonal average, underscoring the intensity of the heatwave. Other towns in Jammu and Kashmir also reported scorching conditions:
- Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination, recorded its highest-ever July temperature at 31.6°C.
- Kupwara in north Kashmir hit 35.9°C, the second-highest July temperature since 2006.
- Kokernag recorded 34.0°C, the second-highest July temperature ever, just below 34.1°C on July 28, 2024.
- Qazigund saw elevated temperatures, contributing to the region-wide heatwave.Additionally, Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 24.5°C on the night of July 5, marking the fourth-highest minimum temperature ever recorded in July, 6.3 degrees above normal.
- Unprecedented Weather PatternsMeteorologists attribute the extreme heat to a combination of factors, including reduced snowfall during the past winter, prolonged dry weather in spring, and the absence of monsoon moisture currents in the region. Farooq Ahmad Bhat, a meteorologist in Srinagar, noted that these conditions have created an unusually hot summer.The heatwave follows an already record-breaking June 2025, which was the hottest in Srinagar since 1978 and the second hottest since 1892. The average maximum temperature in June reached 31.0°C, with an overall average temperature of 24.6°C, matching records from 1971 and 1973.
- Impact on Residents and EnvironmentThe soaring temperatures have significantly impacted daily life in the Kashmir Valley. Nazir Ahmad, a 57-year-old vegetable farmer in Srinagar, remarked, “I have never experienced such hot weather in my life.” The heat has led to an increase in roadside juice vendors and ice cream sellers in Srinagar, Anantnag, and Baramulla as residents seek relief.The prolonged dry spell has caused water scarcity in some areas, with parts of the Jhelum River drying up, exacerbating challenges for local communities. The heatwave has also prompted health warnings, urging residents to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
- Expert Insights and Future OutlookExperts, including Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the Meteorological Department in Srinagar, have linked the rising temperatures to global warming, noting that summers in the region are becoming increasingly extreme. “This was the hottest June since 1978, with average day temperatures between 32 and 33 degrees Celsius, about three degrees above normal,” Ahmad said.The MeT Department has forecasted potential relief, with heavy rainfall predicted for July 6, which could alleviate the ongoing heatwave conditions.
- Historical Temperature DataThe following table summarizes the historical maximum temperatures recorded in Srinagar:
- DateTemperature (°C)Record StatusJuly 10, 194638.3All-time highestJuly 5, 195337.7Second-highest, highest July until 2025July 5, 202537.4Third-highest, hottest July since 1953Source: Meteorological Department, Srinagar
- Temperature Comparison Across Kashmir (July 5, 2025)The table below highlights maximum temperatures recorded across key towns in Jammu and Kashmir on July 5, 2025:LocationMaximum Temperature (°C)Record StatusSrinagar37.4Hottest July day since 1953Pahalgam31.6All-time highest July temperatureKupwara35.9Second-highest since 2006Kokernag34.0Second-highest July temperature everQazigundNot specifiedElevated, part of heatwave
- ConclusionThe record-breaking heat in Srinagar and across the Kashmir Valley highlights the growing impact of climate change on a region traditionally known for its mild summers. As temperatures continue to rise and water sources dwindle, residents and authorities face new challenges in adapting to these extreme conditions. While rainfall may offer temporary relief, the trend of increasingly hot summers calls for long-term strategies to address environmental changes in the region.For further updates, follow local weather reports or visit the Meteorological Department’s official channels.
