Jammu and Kashmir Records Record July Heat and Surge in Cloudbursts Linked to Accelerating Climate Change

A new scientific study of 45 years of temperature data shows that Jammu and Kashmir has been warming steadily, with the fastest rise occurring in higher‑altitude areas. The research found elevation‑dependent warming of about 0.18 °C per kilometre of elevation, and winter daytime temperatures rising roughly 0.43 °C per kilometre each decade. Glaciers and snowfields in the western Himalaya are especially vulnerable, prompting concerns for river flow and long‑term water security.

Since the start of the monsoon in early July, the region experienced 15‑16 cloudbursts, triggering flash floods, mudslides and landslides that damaged dozens of houses, shops and vehicles and forced rescues of tourists in Pahalgam. The Jammu and Kashmir Meteorological Department warned that “the increasing frequency of such incidents is consistent with broader impacts of climate change and global warming” and expects future cloudburst events to become more common.

The combined evidence of record July heat and a spike in extreme precipitation highlights the accelerating climate impacts on the Himalayan basin.