Srinagar, often celebrated as the jewel of Kashmir for its crisp mornings and pleasant summer climate, has been thrown into an unexpected climate crisis. On June 25, 2025, the city witnessed its highest-ever minimum June temperature at 25.0°C, leaving environmental experts and locals deeply concerned. This temperature milestone is more than just a number—it signals a growing climate imbalance in one of India’s most sensitive ecological regions.
A New Climatic Reality Before Sunrise
Traditionally, Srinagar’s early mornings have offered residents and tourists a refreshing break from daytime heat, with cool breezes sweeping through the valleys and Dal Lake’s waters retaining a soothing chill. However, this June morning painted a very different picture. Instead of cool air, residents woke up to intense, lingering heat, more typical of an afternoon than pre-sunrise conditions.
The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar reported that the 25.0°C minimum temperature was a staggering 7.9°C above the historical June average. Even the day’s maximum temperature rose to 35.5°C, also far above normal. The combination of high day and night temperatures suggests a worrying trend toward sustained heat stress in the Kashmir Valley.
A Widespread Valley Heatwave
The scorching conditions weren’t limited to Srinagar alone. Other famous hill destinations across Kashmir also reported abnormally high nighttime temperatures:
- Pahalgam, known for its pine forests and river breezes, recorded a minimum of 18.8°C, nearly 8°C higher than average.
- Gulmarg, a favorite spot for both summer hikers and winter skiers, logged a minimum temperature of 16.8°C, about 6°C above its June norm.
- Kupwara, often cooler than Srinagar, reported a low of 21.7°C, around 6.4°C above normal.
- Qazigund, regarded as Kashmir’s gateway town, saw early morning temperatures soar to 21.0°C, exceeding usual levels by over 5°C.
These figures confirm that the heatwave spans the entire valley, not just urban centers, affecting both human settlements and fragile ecosystems.
Historical Context: Breaking Long-Standing Records
The previous all-time highest minimum temperature for Srinagar in June stood at 24.6°C, recorded back in 1978. To surpass that mark nearly five decades later by half a degree is no small event.
Even earlier in June 2025, Srinagar had already recorded 23.2°C, which had been dubbed the fourth-highest June night in over 130 years. The fact that two such extreme nights occurred within the same month highlights the intensity and abnormality of this ongoing heatwave.
Srinagar’s average June minimum temperature typically ranges between 17°C and 18°C, making the current readings almost 8°C higher than normal—a stark deviation.
Daytime highs have also been unsettling. The 35.5°C maximum temperature recorded on the same day was the hottest June day since 2005, placing it among the hottest June days in two decades for the region.
How the Heatwave Is Affecting Daily Life
1. Public Health Crisis
The biggest concern with unusually warm nights is the inability of the human body to recover from daytime heat. Sustained high temperatures at night can lead to heat stress, sleep disturbances, and increased risk of heat-related illnesses. Doctors in Srinagar report rising cases of dehydration, dizziness, and fatigue, especially among children, the elderly, and outdoor workers.
Local schools have already begun rescheduling class timings, shifting to early-morning shifts or declaring summer breaks earlier than usual to protect students from the oppressive heat.
2. Agricultural Worries
Kashmir’s agriculture—primarily paddy fields, apple orchards, and vegetable farming—is directly dependent on temperature cycles and glacial meltwater availability. Farmers are reporting early signs of crop stress, soil moisture loss, and increased water demands for irrigation.
With glacial streams running dry and river water levels falling, some paddy fields are experiencing delayed transplantation schedules. The fear of reduced crop yields this season is growing.
3. Impact on Tourism
Kashmir’s summer tourism thrives on its reputation for cool, pleasant weather. Tourists seeking refuge from North India’s summer heat are now encountering uncomfortable humidity and muggy mornings even before breakfast.
Houseboat owners on Dal Lake and hotel managers in Pahalgam and Gulmarg are adjusting their marketing, offering “air-conditioned comfort” instead of the usual “natural mountain breeze” promise. Reduced morning mist over lakes and meadows has also affected the aesthetic charm for photographers and nature lovers.
Relief Forecast: Temporary and Risk-Laden
Weather models suggest intermittent rainfall and thunderstorms from June 25 to 27, bringing possible short-term cooling. However, this respite comes with risks of waterlogging, urban flooding, and landslides, especially in hilly areas of the Jammu division and the Kashmir Valley.
The post-rain humidity, coupled with predicted returning high temperatures after July 2, points toward continued discomfort and potential flash flood scenarios. The delayed arrival of the monsoon in northern India has further prolonged the heatwave.
Broader Climate Indicators: Warming Winters and Seasonal Shifts
This unprecedented June heat comes on the heels of milder-than-usual winters. The famous Chillai Kalan period, Kashmir’s harsh 40-day winter stretch, has shown signs of weakening over the past decade. Warmer winters mean reduced snow accumulation, affecting glacial reserves and summer water flows.
Meteorologists warn that the current heat could be a direct consequence of climate imbalance. A weakened glacial cycle could trigger water shortages during critical summer months, threatening agriculture, power generation, and domestic water supply.
Ripple Effect on Kashmir’s Ecosystem
High nighttime temperatures are disrupting local ecosystems:
- Flowering cycles of native plants like chinar trees, lotus in Dal Lake, and orchard blooms are seeing changes.
- Migratory bird patterns could alter due to unsuitable foraging temperatures at dawn.
- Insect populations, including pollinators like bees, may decline or shift behavior, affecting fruit yields and biodiversity.
Moreover, forest fire risks, previously low for Kashmir, are rising due to dry underbrush and prolonged heat.
Why Is This Happening?
Experts attribute this abnormal warming to multiple, interconnected factors:
- Global warming leading to long-term average temperature increases.
- The Urban Heat Island effect, with growing concrete infrastructure in and around Srinagar trapping more heat overnight.
- Delayed monsoon systems pushing heatwave patterns into the Himalayan foothills.
- High atmospheric moisture levels from pre-monsoon build-up, preventing nocturnal heat dissipation.
Combined, these create a situation where heat gets trapped close to the surface, turning cool nights into sweltering, sleepless dawns.
What Locals and Travelers Can Do
Given the current situation, authorities and weather agencies recommend:
- Staying indoors during peak heat hours, especially from late morning till evening.
- Drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding caffeine and alcohol during the day.
- Wearing light, breathable fabrics and using sunscreen if stepping outside.
- Checking weather updates daily, especially for flood or landslide warnings.
- Planning travel with flexibility, avoiding treks or outdoor tours until temperatures stabilize.
For farmers, early morning irrigation, mulching fields, and shade netting are being encouraged.
The Road Ahead: Wake-Up Call for Climate Preparedness
While temporary relief from rain might come soon, the long-term implications of Srinagar’s record-breaking dawn heat are unavoidable. The valley must now begin urban greening programs, invest in water conservation projects, and develop heat action plans to protect vulnerable populations.
This heatwave marks not just a weather event but a critical climate milestone for Kashmir. As similar patterns emerge globally, Srinagar’s experience is both a local crisis and a global climate warning.
India Meteorological Department (IMD) – Official Weather Reports
