‘Urban Heat’ grips Srinagar: City Records Hottest June Since 1978
Experts link rising temperatures to Urbanisation, Changing climate patterns
By: Our Special Correspondent
Srinagar: The summer of 2025 has scorched Srinagar, with the city recording its hottest June in 47 years, raising fresh concerns about the impact of urbanisation and climate change on the Kashmir Valley’s summer capital.
According to independent weatherman Faizan Arif of Kashmir Weather, Srinagar registered an overall average temperature of 24.6°C in June — making it the second hottest June since records began in 1892. The only hotter June was in 1978, when the monthly average touched 25.0°C.
“This June has been exceptionally warm for Srinagar,” Arif said. “We are not just seeing a one-off spike — this fits into a growing pattern of steadily rising June temperatures over the past decade.”
This year’s minimum temperature came close to the all-time record for warmest nights in June — a worrying sign for a city that once enjoyed cool evenings even during peak summer.
Environmental experts attribute the temperature rise to rapid urban development, loss of green spaces and the spread of concrete infrastructure across Srinagar.
The city’s traditional natural coolants — such as wetlands, open fields and dense tree cover — have been steadily reduced due to unregulated construction.
“Urban heat island effect is becoming increasingly visible in Srinagar,” said a local environmentalist.
“Buildings, paved roads, and vanishing greenery are trapping heat during the day and slowly releasing it at night, leading to hotter evenings and nights.”
While urbanisation plays a key role, climate change is also amplifying the heat. Data from the past two decades shows a trend of warmer summers, shorter winters, and altered precipitation patterns in the region.
“Srinagar’s summers are longer and hotter than they were just 15–20 years ago,” Arif observed. “This year’s temperatures only strengthen the case for urgent climate action and sustainable urban planning.”
Average Maximum Temperature (June 2025): 31.0°C
Average Minimum Temperature: 18.2°C
Hottest June on Record: 1978 (32.9°C max / 17.1°C min / 25.0°C average)
Warmest Nights on Record: 2008 (18.3°C mean minimum)
