Srinagar Hits 35.9°C as Intense Heatwave Sweeps Across Kashmir, Jammu, and Ladakh Regions
SRINAGAR, July 18, 2026 — An intense heatwave continues to grip the union territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, pushing temperatures significantly above normal seasonal averages.
Kashmir Region
In the Kashmir Valley, the heat reached critical levels, led by Srinagar at a scorching 35.9°C (5.8°C above normal) and Kupwara close behind at 35.6°C (4.7°C above normal). Substantial heat was also logged across the valley floor, with Ganderbal and Baramulla both hitting 34.5°C, Shopian recording 34.4°C, Pulwama at 33.4°C, Kokernag at 33.1°C (5.5°C above normal), Bandipora at 32.7°C, Qazigund at 32.6°C (4.6°C above normal), and Kulgam touching 31.9°C. Even the typically refreshing tourist resorts and Amarnath Yatra halting points observed uncomfortably high tracks: Pahalgam reached 28.9°C (3.4°C above normal), Sonamarg hit 28.6°C, Baltal recorded 28.3°C, Chandanwari logged 25.8°C, and Gulmarg registered 25.6°C (4.4°C above normal). The higher mountain passes tracked slightly lower but still warm data, with the Amarnath Holy Cave at 23.8°C, Panchtarni at 23.4°C, Sangam at 22.5°C, Bararri at 22.2°C, Gulmarg Phase 1 at 21.1°C, and Sheshnag at 20.2°C. Temperature readings for Budgam and Anantnag were not available today.
Jammu Region
The plains and outer hill districts of the Jammu province maintained a heavy, stifling climate. The winter capital, Jammu city, hovered at 35.0°C (1.0°C above normal), while Kathua maxed out at a regional high of 34.8°C. Steady warmth persisted across the remaining districts, with Samba checking in at 34.1°C, Poonch at 33.9°C, Udhampur at 31.8°C, Bhaderwah at 31.4°C (1.0°C above normal), Rajouri at 31.1°C, and the Vaishno Devi base town of Katra steady at 31.0°C (0.3°C above normal). The higher reaches of the province saw Kishtwar hit 30.3°C, Banihal at 30.2°C (1.3°C above normal), and Batote at 27.5°C (0.9°C above normal). Data collections for Bhella Doda, Ramban, and Reasi were omitted due to non-availability.
Ladakh Region
High-altitude solar radiation heavily amplified temperatures across the cold desert frontier of Ladakh, making it one of the most intensely affected zones. Nubra Valley claimed the highest reading in the entire territory at a blistering 36.7°C, closely trailed by Kargil district at 35.8°C, while the capital town of Leh experienced an unusually hot summer day peaking at 33.4°C. Weather officials continue to urge locals and tourists traveling through these zones to take active heat precautions.