SRINAGAR: Residents of Srinagar have just endured a June heatwave of historic proportions, with the city recording its hottest June since 1978, making it the second warmest since official observations began in 1892. Meanwhile, Qazigund also experienced its warmest June in over half a century.
According to data compiled by Kashmir Weather, Srinagar’s average maximum temperature for June 2025 climbed to a significant 31.0°C, while the mean minimum settled at 18.2°C. This resulted in an overall average temperature for the month of 24.6°C.
The only June to surpass this year’s heat in Srinagar was in 1978, when the overall average temperature reached 25.0°C. That year saw a higher mean maximum of 32.9°C, although the mean minimum was slightly lower at 17.1°C. Notably, 2008 still holds the record for the highest mean minimum temperature in June for Srinagar, at 18.3°C, just marginally above this year’s figure. This year’s overall average temperature of 24.6°C also matches those recorded in 1971 and 1973, placing June 2025 among the warmest Junes in Srinagar’s recorded history.
The heatwave extended to Qazigund, which registered a mean maximum of 30.3°C and a mean minimum of 16.1°C for June 2025. This led to an overall average temperature of 23.2°C, marking it as the warmest June for the station since 1973. In 1973, Qazigund recorded its hottest June on record with an average of 23.7°C, driven by slightly higher values of 30.4°C for the mean maximum and 16.9°C for the mean minimum. The June average in 1978 also matched this year’s 23.2°C, though with a slightly lower mean maximum of 30.2°C and a slightly higher minimum of 16.2°C. Qazigund’s highest average minimum for June remains 17.3°C, recorded in 1971, when the overall mean temperature was 23.3°C.
The prolonged heat has raised concerns among residents and authorities alike, prompting discussions on climate patterns and their potential long-term impacts on the region.
