Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, June 28

Kashmir recorded its hottest day of the year on Sunday as temperatures climbed well above seasonal averages after weeks of unusually mild weather, marking the Valley’s first significant summer heat spell even as forecasters predicted relief later this week with the return of rain-bearing weather systems.

Srinagar registered a maximum temperature of 33.8 degrees Celsius, around 3.8 degrees above normal and the highest recorded this summer, according to the Meteorological Department. Temperatures also rose sharply across other parts of the Valley, ending an extended period of cool, unsettled weather that had distinguished Kashmir from much of northern India, where prolonged heat waves have persisted through June.

The rise in temperatures follows nearly a month during which frequent cloud cover, intermittent rainfall and repeated western disturbances kept daytime temperatures largely between 24 and 29 degrees Celsius, reducing the need for cooling appliances in many households and delaying the onset of typical summer conditions.

Meteorologists attributed the comparatively cool conditions to a succession of weak western disturbances that crossed the western Himalayas throughout May and June, bringing scattered thunderstorms, gusty winds, hailstorms and intermittent rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir.

“The influence of El Niño has so far remained minimal over Kashmir,” a meteorological official said, referring to the climate phenomenon associated with warmer Pacific Ocean temperatures that often contributes to hotter conditions across parts of the Indian subcontinent and can weaken the southwest monsoon.

Although the repeated weather systems prevented sustained heat, they also caused localized damage in several districts.

Scattered thunderstorms triggered cloudbursts in some areas, while hailstorms damaged apple orchards and other horticultural crops, raising concerns among growers in one of Kashmir’s most important agricultural sectors.

The current weather pattern contrasts sharply with last year, when Kashmir experienced an unusually hot and dry June that contributed to drought-like conditions across the Valley until widespread rainfall in early July eased water stress and improved soil moisture.

According to official observations, temperatures on Sunday rose above normal across nearly all major weather stations in Kashmir.

Qazigund recorded a maximum temperature of 33.2 degrees Celsius, 4.4 degrees above normal, while Kupwara registered 32.3 degrees and Kokernag 31.9 degrees. Tourist destinations also experienced warmer-than-usual conditions, with Pahalgam recording 27.7 degrees Celsius and Gulmarg 24.8 degrees, both exceeding their seasonal averages.

In the Jammu region, temperatures remained close to climatological norms despite the warmer conditions in Kashmir. Jammu city recorded 37 degrees Celsius, while Katra registered 35.6 degrees and Bhaderwah 32 degrees. Banihal and Batote, located along the Jammu-Srinagar highway, also recorded temperatures slightly above normal.

Forecasters said generally dry weather is expected to continue across Jammu and Kashmir through June 30, allowing temperatures to rise further over the next two days before another weather system approaches the region.

The Meteorological Department said a fresh western disturbance interacting with advancing southwest monsoon currents is expected to affect Jammu and Kashmir between July 1 and July 5, bringing widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, gusty winds, lightning and isolated hailstorms.

The anticipated rainfall is expected to provide significant relief from the ongoing heat spell and lower daytime temperatures across much of Kashmir.

However, authorities cautioned that the incoming system could also produce localized disruptions, particularly in vulnerable mountainous areas prone to flash floods, landslides and waterlogging. Strong winds and heavy showers may temporarily affect transport and outdoor activities in some districts.

Beyond July 5, forecasters expect temperatures to rise again as hot and humid conditions return, although isolated light rain and thunderstorms are likely to persist in parts of the region through the following week.

For Kashmir, where summer temperatures are generally moderated by altitude and periodic western disturbances, Sunday’s heat underscored the rapid weather variability that has increasingly characterized recent seasons, with prolonged cool spells often giving way to short periods of intense heat before fresh disturbances restore more moderate conditions.