Jammu and Kashmir is bracing for a five-day heatwave starting Monday, with the Meteorological Department predicting temperatures up to 4°C above the seasonal average. The rising mercury has triggered health advisories and renewed concerns over climate variability in the region.
This intense heatwave follows an abrupt weather reversal in late May, when unseasonal rain and snowfall in higher altitudes caused a significant dip in temperatures across the Valley — with some areas seeing daytime highs below 20°C. The sudden switch from cold to sweltering heat is being cited by experts as a worrying sign of increasing atmospheric instability, likely driven by climate change.
“This marks the second notable heatwave in less than a month,” said an official from the MeT Department. “Such extreme fluctuations within short intervals are highly unusual for this time of year.”
Jammu is expected to experience the most severe impact, with temperatures forecast to exceed 43°C in several districts — making this the most intense spell of the season so far.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the heatwave is expected to persist from June 9 to June 13.
Samba district has already recorded a blistering 44°C, the highest in the Union Territory. Jammu city reached 42.7°C on Sunday, a sharp rise from Saturday’s 40.2°C. Other parts of the Jammu region — including Reasi (38.5°C), Katra (38.2°C), and Rajouri (35.9°C) — are also witnessing severe heat.
In the relatively cooler Kashmir Valley, Srinagar registered a high of 33.3°C on Sunday, which is 5.3°C above normal. Tourist destinations like Pahalgam and Gulmarg offered some relief at 28.7°C and 23°C respectively.
Elsewhere, Kokernag reported 30.8°C, while temperatures in Bhaderwah, Banihal, and Batote reached around 33.6°C. Poonch also saw an unusual high of 35.4°C.
Amid the soaring temperatures, the IMD and health authorities have issued advisories urging people — especially children, the elderly, and pregnant women — to take extra precautions. Recommendations include avoiding outdoor activities during peak hours, staying hydrated, wearing light and breathable clothing, and using protective gear like hats or umbrellas when stepping out.
Climate experts have expressed concern over the increasing frequency and severity of weather extremes in Jammu and Kashmir, warning that such events may become more common if global and regional climate trends continue on their current trajectory.
