Heat wave intensifies in Jammu and Kashmir as mercury soars
Srinagar, May 17: Jammu and Kashmir continues to reel under an intensifying heatwave, with temperatures rising further across both Kashmir and Jammu divisions on Friday.
According to the Meteorological Department (MeT), there will be no immediate respite, as the mercury is expected to climb steadily over the coming days, especially in the Jammu region. The heatwave is now gripping even the traditionally cooler areas of the Valley. Srinagar, the summer capital, recorded a high of 31.5°C, marking one of the hottest days of the season so far. Qazigund and Kokernag — usually milder in May — crossed the 30°C threshold, while tourist hotspots like Pahalgam and Gulmarg recorded 27.0°C and 22.2°C respectively. Kupwara in north Kashmir reached 29.0°C, and the soaring temperatures have begun affecting both agriculture and daily life in these districts.
The heatwave is more severe in the Jammu division, where the mercury has surged past 40°C. Jammu city hit a scorching 41.0°C on Friday, with Katra close behind at 37.0°C. Hilly towns that typically offer a respite — including Batote (30.9°C), Bhaderwah (30.4°C), and Banihal (30.4°C) — also reported unusually high temperatures.
The persistently high temperatures have led to increased electricity consumption as people rely on cooling appliances, causing strain on the power grid. Urban areas, particularly in Jammu, have reported unscheduled power cuts and rising demand for potable water.
The MeT Department forecasts dry weather for most of the region through May 18, with a possibility of evening rain, thundershowers, and gusty winds at scattered locations, particularly on May 19. A return to stable, dry conditions is expected from May 20 to May 22.
“While a brief spell of isolated showers may bring temporary relief in some areas, the overall weather pattern continues to favor heat build-up, especially in the plains of Jammu and the southern parts of Kashmir,” said an MeT official.
Weather experts caution that the Kashmir Valley, which typically remains cooler during early summer, will continue to experience a gradual and sustained rise in temperatures. The central and southern districts, including Anantnag, Pulwama, and Kulgam, may breach 33°C in the coming days. “This pattern is unusual but not unprecedented. The current synoptic conditions and dry air masses are contributing to this steady temperature rise across the region,” said the weather official.
The MeT Department has issued a renewed advisory for farmers, urging them to complete key agricultural tasks — including pesticide application, irrigation, and transplantation of crops — by May 18 afternoon to minimise the risk of heat-related damage. Residents have been advised to stay indoors during peak hours (12 pm to 4 pm), stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity under direct sunlight. The elderly, children, and people with chronic illnesses are especially vulnerable to heatstroke and dehydration.
The heatwave has also cast a shadow over the region’s tourism industry. Travel agencies report a slowdown in bookings, with many tourists opting for shorter outdoor excursions or cancelling their daytime sightseeing plans altogether. “In May, we usually see large crowds at Pahalgam, Sonamarg, and Gulmarg. But now tourists are choosing to stay indoors during the day. Even the famed meadows of Kashmir can’t compete with 30+ degree temperatures,” said Zahoor Ahmed, a hotel manager in Pahalgam
