Kashmir's Scorching Summers

Rameez Makhdoomi 

Scorching summers are becoming a harsh reality in Kashmir, thanks to the increasingly long heatwaves. Temperatures are now easily breaching the psychological barrier of 35 degrees, once considered extremely high in the Kashmir context. Like many other parts of the world, heatwaves are becoming a reality in Kashmir too, and we're being hit hard by climate change and global warming.

Just on July 5, 2025, Saturday, Srinagar recorded its highest July temperature since 1953, reaching 37.4°C. This is also the third-highest July temperature since 1892. As the people of Kashmir, it's essential that we take responsibility and plant more trees, putting an end to rampant urbanization that harms the environment in the name of development.

Experts are worried that winters are becoming shorter in Kashmir, with decreased snowfall, while summers are becoming more intense and drier. The rate at which glaciers are melting is alarming, with estimates suggesting as much as 0.5 meters annually. 

It's hoped that we take effective steps to combat heatwaves in Kashmir and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

We also need to teach our younger generation especially the children value of quality environment and steps to be taken to safeguard nature .