Kashmir Heatwave 2025: Health & Crop Risks, Safety Tips

In 2025, Kashmir—a region famous for its cool summers and snowy landscapes—is facing a new kind of challenge: a severe and long-lasting heatwave. Temperatures have soared to record highs, making life difficult for people, putting their health at risk, and threatening crops that many families depend on. This is not just an uncomfortable season—it is a crisis that’s changing the way Kashmiris think about summer and safety.

Breaking the Records

This year, temperatures in Kashmir climbed higher than most people can ever remember. In many places, the heat reached almost 37°C—about 7°C higher than normal for this time of year. June and July have both recorded the hottest days in decades, with even the mountain towns, once known for their chilly air, feeling the heat.

Less Rainfall, More Problems

Along with high temperatures, Kashmir has had far less rainfall than usual. Rain finally arrived after a long dry spell, but for many farmers, it came too late. Their fields had already dried up, and young rice plants withered in the sun.

How It’s Affecting People

Doctors across Kashmir are worried. Hospitals have seen a sharp increase in patients suffering from:

Dehydration
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke
Gastrointestinal illnesses like diarrhoea and vomiting
Heart problems, especially in older people

Children are especially at risk. Their bodies lose water faster, and they can become dangerously ill within hours if not protected. The elderly, pregnant women, and people with long-term health conditions are also more likely to have health issues during heatwaves.

“Heat stress in children escalates quickly. They can go from slightly tired to severely dehydrated within hours.”
— Dr. Muzaffar Jan, Government Medical College Srinagar

Hospitals Are Busy

Many clinics are crowded, especially with young patients. Some need special treatment like IV fluids or hospital admission. Not just city hospitals, but small rural clinics are reporting the same problems.

Urban Heat

Kashmir’s towns and cities, like Srinagar, are even hotter. Concrete buildings, fewer trees, and more people are creating “urban heat islands,” making cities even warmer than the countryside. This effect means more electricity use for fans and coolers, and puts extra stress on health systems.

Farmers in Trouble

Kashmir’s farms grow rice (paddy), apples, maize, and saffron—crops that need a lot of water and cooler temperatures. With the marked decrease in rainfall, these crops are suffering:

Rice fields dried out before the rain came.
Apple orchards face water shortages, and many trees may produce less fruit.
Maize and saffron flowers are stressed by the heat.
Pest outbreaks and crop diseases are becoming more common as plants weaken.

Many farmers are reporting heavy losses. For some, it’s the fifth year in a row of poor harvests, and their savings are running out.

Water Crisis

The Jhelum river and local streams are drying up, making irrigation almost impossible in some areas. Farmers now fear for the next planting season too, as water shortages may last.

What Are People and Experts Saying?

People across Kashmir are worried and tired. Some are rushing to buy fans or air conditioners for the first time ever. Appliance stores in Srinagar and other towns are seeing record sales, but not everyone can afford these cooling devices. Experts warn that the use of more ACs could harm the environment further by increasing the release of gases that trap heat in the atmosphere.

Advice and Suggestions

Authorities and doctors have given clear advice to keep people safe during the heatwave:

Stay indoors during the hottest hours (12 PM–3 PM).
Drink plenty of water—at least 2–3 litres extra per day and choose home-made drinks over sodas or tea.
Wear light, loose clothes, and use hats, caps, or umbrellas outside.
Eat fresh fruits like watermelon and cucumber for hydration.
Check on children, elderly, and those with health problems regularly.

Farmers are being encouraged to plant alternative crops, like millets, that require less water, and to use irrigation carefully to conserve what little water remains.

A Worrying Trend—But Not Hopeless

Many in Kashmir wonder if this is just bad luck or part of a bigger problem. Scientists say that climate change—caused by pollution from factories, vehicles, and cutting down trees—is likely making such heatwaves more common and severe. But there are things that can help:

Planting more trees to cool cities and provide shade.
Conserving water at home and on farms.
Using cooler hours for outdoor work and exercise.
Learning about the dangers of heat and how to signal for help if someone feels sick.

Final Thoughts

Kashmir is known for its beautiful weather, but 2025’s heatwave is changing that image. Both health and harvests are at risk, but the people of Kashmir are adapting, learning, and working together to protect their families and livelihoods. With awareness, new farming methods, and care for each other, it is possible to weather even these scorching days in the Valley.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies