The weather in Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a sudden change on Sunday, with heat wave–like conditions reported across several parts of the Kashmir Valley. According to official data, maximum day temperatures remained 3 to 6 degrees Celsius above normal in most areas of the valley, marking an unusual rise for this time of year.

Unusual Rise in Temperatures

Srinagar and Kupwara recorded the highest maximum temperature of 32.6°C, which was 4.8°C and 4.1°C above normal, respectively.

• Qazigund reported 32.2°C, nearly 5.7°C higher than average.
• Kokernag saw 30.8°C, up by 5.3°C.
• Tourist hotspot Pahalgam registered 27.2°C, which was 3.3°C above normal.
• Even Gulmarg, usually known for its cool weather, recorded 23.8°C, 5.2°C higher than normal.

In Ladakh, warm conditions prevailed as well, with Leh recording 25.6°C and Kargil touching 29.1°C.

Night Temperatures Above Normal

Meteorological officials reported that minimum night temperatures also remained unusually high, staying 4 to 6°C above normal in Kashmir and 1 to 5°C above normal in Jammu. The lowest minimum temperature in Kashmir was at Gulmarg (12.5°C), while Bhaderwah in Jammu recorded 18.4°C.

Rainfall and Precipitation

Despite the rising heat, parts of Jammu and Kashmir experienced light to moderate rainfall.

• The highest rainfall was recorded in Reasi (55.5 mm).
• Isolated light rain and thunderstorms were reported in Kashmir, while scattered rainfall was observed in Jammu.

The Meteorological Department has forecast light rain across Jammu and Kashmir in the next 24 hours, followed by changing weather conditions over the coming days.

According to the MeT office, September 17 is expected to remain dry and hot across most parts of the Union Territory. Between September 18 and the evening of September 19, the weather is likely to turn slightly windy with scattered rainfall in several areas.

From September 20 onward, the weather is expected to remain mostly dry, providing relief to residents and farmers preparing for harvest.

Reasons Behind the Heat

Meteorologists have attributed the unusual rise in temperatures to a prolonged dry spell across the region. They cautioned that if the current weather pattern persists, the heat wave–like conditions could continue through the coming week.

Forecast

• Next 24 hours: Isolated to scattered light rain and thunderstorms are expected across Jammu and Kashmir.
• Next 2 days: Similar weather conditions with isolated to scattered showers are likely.

The unusual surge in temperatures, particularly in the Kashmir Valley, has raised concerns among residents and environmental experts. With both day and night temperatures staying well above normal, the region faces heat wave–like conditions rarely experienced during this period. Authorities have advised people to stay hydrated and take necessary precautions until the weather stabilizes.