Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar,(DD)In an extraordinary turn of weather events, Kashmir Valley witnessed an intense heatwave on Wednesday, breaking several long-standing temperature records and leaving residents sweltering under unusually high temperatures for the month of May.
According to data shared by Faizan Arif from Kashmir Weather, Srinagar recorded a scorching 34.4°C, making it the third-highest maximum temperature ever recorded in May in the last 133 years. This is 9°C above normal, reflecting the severe deviation from seasonal averages.
Other parts of the Valley also experienced unprecedented heat:
Qazigund registered 33.5°C, the third-highest May temperature since 1956, although it fell just short of last year’s all-time high of 34.0°C.
Kokernag broke all previous records, logging 33.3°C, the highest temperature recorded since 1978, surpassing the earlier record of 32.6°C set on 15 May 2001.
Gulmarg, typically known for its cooler climate, reported 25.4°C, which is 8.8°C above normal.
Elsewhere in the region:
Kupwara – 31.6°C (5.3°C above normal)
Pahalgam – 27.8°C (5.6°C above normal)
The heatwave was not limited to the Kashmir Valley. In the Jammu region, temperatures also remained elevated:
Jammu – 38.5°C
Katra – 36.2°C
Banihal – 31.0°C
Batote – 29.2°C
Bhaderwah – 32.1°C
In Ladakh, Leh recorded a milder 22.4°C, staying relatively cooler in contrast.
The sharp spike in temperatures has raised concerns among health officials and environmentalists alike, with warnings issued for heat-related illnesses, particularly for the elderly, children, and outdoor workers.
Experts attribute the unusual heat to shifting climate patterns and persistent high-pressure systems over the region. Authorities have advised the public to stay hydrated, avoid peak afternoon hours, and take precautions to minimise exposure.
As Kashmir reels under this unseasonal heatwave, the broader implications of climate change and its growing impact on the Himalayan region are once again under the spotlight.(DD)