On Thursday, May 22, 2025, Srinagar recorded the highest May temperature in almost 60 years, causing the city to struggle with unheard-of heat. According to the local weather office, the temperature reached 34.4 degrees Celsius, the greatest maximum for the month in 57 years. Concerns over the region’s growing climate change effects have been raised by this exceptional weather event, which saw temperatures increase nine degrees above the seasonal average. The heatwave also hampered other regions; Kokernag in south Kashmir recorded a May temperature record, highlighting the uncommon weather phenomenon’s global reach.

Srinagar’s Historic Temperature Surge

Srinagar recorded the highest May temperature, at 34.4 degrees Celsius on Thursday, which is only topped by 36.4 degrees Celsius on May 24, 1968, and 35 degrees Celsius on May 31, 1956. This temperature, nine degrees higher than the average for this time of year, is a notable departure, according to weather officials. The rarity of this occurrence is outlined by the fact that Srinagar has not seen such intense heat in May for about 57 years. Residents of the area, which is famed for its cold climate, are not used to such high temperatures. Discussions over the rising incidence of extreme weather events in Kashmir, an area historically seen as a haven from India’s sweltering summers, have been triggered by this oddity.

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Kokernag Breaks All-Time May Record

Beyond Srinagar, the heatwave’s effects were felt in Kokernag, in the Anantnag district of south Kashmir, which recorded its highest May temperature ever—33.3 degrees Celsius on the same day. This was a historic high for the region, surpassing the previous record of 32.6 degrees Celsius established on May 15, 2001. Both locals and tourists have been suffering from the extreme heat in Kokernag, a well-liked tourist spot noted for its beautiful weather. The increasing temperatures throughout the Kashmir Valley provide a clear reminder of the larger climate changes affecting the Himalayan region. Experts blame the record-breaking temperatures on a mix of regional weather trends, including extended dry spells, decreased pre-monsoon rainfall, which has worsened the heatwave conditions, and global warming.

The extreme heat in Kokernag and Srinagar has sparked distress regarding the region’s vulnerability to climate change. Concerns over the effects on public health, water supplies, and agriculture are mounting as temperatures rise much above normal. The heat stress on plants could result in losses for valley farmers who depend on consistent weather patterns for crops like saffron and apples. Additionally, local resources are under stress due to the increased demand for power and water for cooling. Authorities advise residents to drink plenty of water and stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day. Such heatwaves may occur more frequently as climate change continues to hamper weather patterns, necessitating the adoption of measures to protect the ecosystem and livelihoods of the area. Kashmir has to implement sustainable environmental measures in response to this heatwave that broke all previous records.

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