Urban heat is a universal phenomenon where cities experience significantly higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas due to increasing built-up area, vehicular transport, concrete surfaces, reduced greenery and other human activities. This is creating "urban heat island" effect which worsens during summers, increases energy demands, impacts health, and intensifies climate change. Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, nestled in the picturesque Kashmir Valley at an altitude of approximately 1,585 meters, has long been celebrated for its temperate climate and serene landscapes. However, in recent years, the city has also faced escalating urban heat risks, driven by climate change, rapid urbanization, and the urban heat island (UHI) effect. These factors have disrupted Srinagar’s historically cool environment, with unprecedented temperature spikes challenging public health, agriculture, water resources, tourism, and biodiversity. The city’s vulnerability to heat waves, once considered a phenomenon more typical of India’s plains, has become a pressing concern, particularly in 2025, as temperatures reached record highs. Present article tries to explore and examine the causes, impacts, mitigation measures, challenges, and future outlook for urban heat risks in Srinagar, and tries to offer a comprehensive understanding of this emerging crisis and the steps to address it.

Rising Temperatures and Heat Waves

Srinagar’s climate has undergone a dramatic shift, with 2025 marking a year of exceptional heat. On May 22, 2025, the city recorded a maximum temperature of 34.4°C, the highest May temperature in 57 years, surpassing the previous record set in 1968. On June 9, 2025, temperatures reached 33.3°C, 5.3°C above the seasonal norm, signaling a significant deviation from historical patterns.TH0n 20th June 2025 was recorded 35.5°C highest in last two decades, 6.3°C above average was the hottest day till now. However, highest temperature recorded so in Srinagar is 37.8°C on 29th of June 1978. The previous year, 2024, was equally alarming, with Srinagar hitting 36.2°C on July 28, the hottest July day in 25 years, while nearby Qazigund recorded 35.6°C, breaking its own record. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) defines a heat wave in hilly regions like Srinagar as maximum temperatures reaching or exceeding 30°C for three consecutive days, a threshold frequently crossed in recent years. Forecasts for 2025 suggest that during heat wave periods, Srinagar could experience temperatures between 34°C and 36°C, while Jammu, in the same region, may see highs of 44–46°C. These extreme temperatures, once rare in the Himalayan foothills, underscore the growing influence of global warming on the region. Even in Jammu on 12th of June ,2025 Jammu Municipal corporation has used the artificial rains to bring some respite to people from the scorching heat of the summer. More or less most of the towns of the J&K ,UT are presently reeling through the soaring temperatures triggering heat risk advisories.
The urban heat island effect exacerbates these rising temperatures in Srinagar. The UHI effect occurs when urban areas, with their dense concentrations of concrete, asphalt, and buildings, absorb and retain more heat than surrounding rural areas. In Srinagar, rapid urbanization has transformed natural landscapes, including wetlands and agricultural fields, into built-up zones, reducing the cooling effect of vegetation and water bodies. Areas like downtown Srinagar and commercial hubs experience higher temperatures, particularly at night, as heat trapped during the day is slowly released, preventing the city from cooling down. This phenomenon increases the risk of heat stress, as the human body struggles to recover from daytime heat exposure during warmer nights. The combination of climate-driven temperature increases and the UHI effect has made Srinagar increasingly vulnerable to prolonged and intense heat waves, with significant implications for its residents and ecosystems.

Health Impacts of Urban Heat

The health consequences of rising temperatures in Srinagar are profound, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and low-income communities. Heat waves cause physiological stress, leading to heat-related illnesses like heatstroke, heat exhaustion, dehydration, and aggravated respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Hospitals in Srinagar and surrounding areas have reported a surge in such cases during extreme heat events, with outpatient departments seeing increased visits for symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. High humidity levels, often accompanying heat waves in the region, amplify these risks by reducing the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating, a phenomenon known as the “wet-bulb temperature” effect. For instance, humid conditions make a 34°C day feel significantly hotter, increasing the likelihood of heatstroke.
Outdoor workers, such as construction laborers, street vendors, and agricultural workers, face heightened exposure to heat due to prolonged time spent in direct sunlight without adequate shade or hydration. Similarly, low-income communities living in densely packed urban areas with limited green cover or access to cooling resources are disproportionately affected. These neighborhoods, often characterized by poor ventilation and heat-retaining building materials, experience the brunt of the UHI effect. The lack of affordable cooling solutions, such as air conditioning, further exacerbates vulnerability, forcing residents to endure extreme conditions without relief. The elderly and children, with lower physiological resilience, are particularly at risk, as their bodies struggle to regulate temperature during prolonged heat exposure.

Environmental and Economic Impacts

Beyond health, urban heat risks threaten Srinagar’s environment and economy. Agriculture, a mainstay of Kashmir’s economy, is highly sensitive to temperature changes. Crops like apples, cherries, and saffron, which thrive in cooler climates, face disruptions in flowering and fruiting due to unseasonal heat. For instance, warmer spring temperatures can cause early budding, leaving crops vulnerable to subsequent cold snaps or reducing yields due to heat stress. Farmers in the region have reported declining productivity, threatening livelihoods and food security. Additionally, accelerated glacier melt in the Himalayas, driven by rising temperatures, disrupts water availability for irrigation. The Jhelum River, a critical water source for Srinagar and surrounding areas, experiences erratic flows, with risks of flash floods in the short term and long-term water scarcity as glaciers approach “peak water” by 2050.
Tourism, another pillar of Srinagar’s economy, is also at risk. The city’s appeal as a cool, scenic destination draws millions of visitors annually, but prolonged heat waves deter tourists seeking respite from India’s hotter regions. Hotels, houseboats, and local businesses reliant on tourism face economic losses as visitor numbers decline during peak summer months. The Himalayan ecosystem surrounding Srinagar is equally vulnerable, with rising temperatures increasing the risk of wildfires and stressing biodiversity. Species adapted to cooler climates struggle to survive, and ecosystems like wetlands and forests face degradation due to heat and changing precipitation patterns. These environmental changes have cascading effects on the region’s ecological balance and cultural heritage.

Underlined Factors of Urban Heat Risks

The primary driver of urban heat risks in Srinagar is climate change, fueled by global greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and industrial activities. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) notes that the Himalayan region, including Jammu and Kashmir, is warming at a faster rate than the global average, with maximum and minimum temperatures rising steadily. Heat waves, once confined to India’s plains, are now extending into hilly regions and may persist into monsoon months, a trend projected to worsen by 2050. Locally, rapid urbanization exacerbates these risks. Srinagar’s population growth and urban sprawl have led to the conversion of natural landscapes, such as the Hokersar Wetland and agricultural fields, into residential and commercial zones. This loss of green cover diminishes the cooling effect of vegetation, which absorbs heat through evapotranspiration.
Urban infrastructure also plays a significant role. Buildings, roads, and pavements made of concrete, asphalt, and brick absorb and retain heat, unlike rural areas with more vegetation and open spaces. Poor urban planning, characterized by limited green spaces, inadequate ventilation in buildings, and congested layouts, traps heat and intensifies the UHI effect. Deforestation and illegal land conversions further reduce Srinagar’s natural cooling mechanisms, while vehicular emissions contribute to both heat and air pollution. These factors combine to create a feedback loop, where urban development amplifies heat risks, which in turn are worsened by global climate trends.

Mitigation & Adaptation Measures

To address these challenges, Srinagar’s District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has implemented a Heat Wave Action Plan for 2024–2025, aligning with national efforts to combat heat risks. Short-term measures focus on immediate response and public safety. The IMD issues early warning alerts for heat waves, enabling the DDMA to coordinate with local agencies to disseminate advisories through media, mobile apps, and community networks. Public awareness campaigns, including pamphlets and posters in local languages, educate residents on heat safety, hydration, and recognizing heatstroke symptoms. Training programs target health workers, schoolchildren, teachers, and community leaders to build preparedness. Hospitals are being equipped to handle heat-related emergencies, with plans for cooling centers and hydration points in high-risk areas. For outdoor workers, recommendations include staggered work hours to avoid peak heat (12 PM–3 PM), shaded rest areas, and provision of water and light-colored clothing.
Long-term strategies aim to address the root causes of urban heat. Urban greening initiatives prioritize the creation and protection of green spaces, parks, and urban forests to mitigate the UHI effect. The action plan emphasizes preventing illegal land conversions and restoring wetlands, which serve as natural cooling systems. Sustainable urban planning is being promoted through cool roofs (reflective roofing materials), permeable pavements, and building designs with improved ventilation and insulation. Water conservation measures, such as rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation, aim to address water scarcity exacerbated by glacier melt. The introduction of electric buses in Srinagar seeks to reduce vehicular emissions, which contribute to both heat and air pollution. Tehsil-level committees coordinate local responses, ensuring rapid action during heat waves, while national support from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and funds like the State Disaster Mitigation Fund bolster these efforts. India’s National Mission on Sustainable Habitat (NMSH 2.0) encourages city-level Climate Action Plans (CCAPs), though Srinagar’s plan requires better integration with statutory Master Plans for maximum impact.

Challenges and Gaps

Despite these efforts, significant challenges remain. Data on heat-related morbidity and mortality in Srinagar is incomplete, hindering accurate risk assessments and resource allocation. Infrastructure gaps, such as insufficient cooling shelters, public water points, and oral rehydration solution (ORS) availability, limit emergency response capacity. Public awareness of heat safety remains limited, particularly in rural and low-income areas, where access to information and resources is scarce. The Climate Action Plan faces resource constraints, including inadequate funding and trained personnel, which hamper implementation. Equity issues are a critical concern, as vulnerable populations—such as the urban poor, outdoor workers, and those in densely built areas—face disproportionate heat risks but receive limited targeted support. The lack of integration between Srinagar’s heat action plan and broader urban planning frameworks further reduces its effectiveness, as long-term solutions require coordinated land use and infrastructure policies.

Future Outlook and Recommendations

The India Heat Summit 2025 warns that heat waves in Srinagar could intensify and extend, potentially lasting up to a month and a half, a significant shift for a region once considered a climatic refuge. Experts advocate for a national heat wave action plan, localized heat-humidity indices tailored to hilly regions, and advanced monitoring tools like satellite-based heat maps to enhance resilience. Community engagement, leveraging traditional knowledge, and participatory planning can further strengthen adaptation efforts. For instance, traditional Kashmiri architecture, with its emphasis on natural ventilation, could inform modern building designs. Long-term projections suggest that without aggressive mitigation, Srinagar’s heat risks will escalate, with temperatures potentially rising by 2–3°C by 2050, further straining resources and ecosystems.
For residents, practical steps can reduce heat risks. Staying hydrated by drinking water and electrolyte-rich fluids, even when not thirsty, is critical. Avoiding outdoor activities between 12 PM and 3 PM, wearing light-colored, loose clothing, and using hats or umbrellas for shade can help. Checking on vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and children, ensures community-wide safety. For policymakers, prioritizing equity-focused measures—such as cooling shelters in low-income areas and targeted outreach to outdoor workers—will address disparities in heat vulnerability. Strengthening data collection, integrating heat action plans with urban development, and securing adequate funding are essential for long-term resilience.

Cautions and Needed Actions

Srinagar’s urban heat risks, driven by climate change, urbanization, and the UHI effect, pose a multifaceted challenge to the city’s health, economy, and environment. Record-breaking temperatures in 2025, such as 34.4°C in May and 36.2°C in July 2024, highlight the urgency of addressing this crisis. The Heat Wave Action Plan for 2024–2025, with its focus on early warnings, public awareness, urban greening, and sustainable planning, provides a foundation for resilience. However, overcoming data gaps, infrastructure limitations, and equity issues is critical to protecting Srinagar’s residents and preserving its ecological and cultural heritage. By combining immediate action with long-term strategies, Srinagar can mitigate the impacts of urban heat and adapt to a warming world. Urban planning plays a critical role in reducing the impact of heat in Srinagar, where rising temperatures and the urban heat island (UHI) effect threaten public health, agriculture, and tourism. Strategic urban planning can mitigate heat through targeted interventions that enhance cooling, improve resilience, and promote sustainability.
First, increasing green spaces is essential. Urban greening, such as planting trees, creating parks, and restoring wetlands like Hokersar, reduces the UHI effect by providing shade and cooling through evapotranspiration. These green areas absorb less heat than concrete surfaces, lowering ambient temperatures in densely built zones. Incorporating green roofs and vertical gardens in buildings further enhances cooling while improving air quality Second, sustainable building design is vital. Promoting cool roofs with reflective materials, better insulation, and natural ventilation reduces heat absorption and indoor temperatures. Permeable pavements and light-colored surfaces for roads and sidewalks reflect sunlight, minimizing heat retention. These measures are particularly effective in congested areas like downtown Srinagar, where the UHI effect is pronounced. Third, land use planning can prevent the conversion of agricultural lands and wetlands into heat-trapping urban zones. Protecting natural landscapes and enforcing zoning regulations preserve cooling ecosystems. Integrating water bodies, such as the Jhelum River and Dal Lake, into urban design enhances evaporative cooling and moderates temperatures. Finally, urban planning must prioritize equity by ensuring cooling infrastructure, like shaded public spaces and hydration points, reaches vulnerable low-income communities. The Heat Wave Action Plan 2024–2025 emphasizes these strategies, but integration with Srinagar’s Master Plan is crucial for implementation. By adopting green infrastructure, sustainable design, and equitable land use policies, urban planning can significantly reduce heat impacts, making Srinagar more resilient to climate change.
region’s future depends on it.