𝐉&𝐊 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞

Jammu and Kashmir is grappling with the intensifying impacts of climate change, as unpredictable and extreme weather becomes increasingly common. Once known for its relatively stable climate, the region is now witnessing snowless winters, soaring temperatures, frequent cloudbursts, hailstorms, and sudden flash floods.

In just the past two months, the Kashmir Valley has experienced several cloudbursts, causing significant destruction. A particularly severe incident in Ramban along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway led to fatalities and major infrastructure damage.

Environmental experts attribute these events to global climate shifts and rising temperatures. Dr. Shakeel Ahmad Romshoo, Vice Chancellor of the Islamic University of Science and Technology, explained that cloudbursts occur when hot and cold air masses collide rapidly, resulting in intense rainfall in a short time. He emphasized that Kashmir’s mountainous terrain intensifies the effects of such weather.

Meteorological data shows that from 2010 to 2022, Jammu & Kashmir recorded around 168 extreme weather events, a number experts believe will continue to rise. In May 2025, the region experienced record-breaking temperatures alongside flash floods in various districts. Dr. Avinash Kumar from the University of Jammu noted that temperature increases in the Himalayan region are outpacing global averages.

Experts warn that these weather extremes—ranging from heatwaves and prolonged dry spells to heavy off-season rainfall—pose serious threats to agriculture, ecosystems, and livelihoods. Dr. Romshoo pointed out that global warming has significantly altered local weather patterns, including changes in snowfall, glacier retreat, and precipitation cycles.

Without immediate action through mitigation and adaptation measures, the frequency and intensity of climate-induced disasters like cloudbursts, landslides, and avalanches are expected to increase. Dr. Kumar stressed the urgency of implementing a strong climate resilience framework to protect both the environment and local communities.