Kashmir's summer sizzle: AC sales soar as valley copes with record temperatures

The Kashmir Valley, long renowned for its cool summers and snow-fed rivers, is witnessing an unusual summer trend — air-conditioners (ACs) are selling at record pace. Electronics dealers report that sales have more than doubled this year, driven by prolonged heatwaves and rising temperatures that have stunned residents and altered consumption patterns across the region.

“It’s something we never anticipated,” said Shabir Ahmad, an appliance retailer in Srinagar, in an interview with Moneycontrol. “This year, we had to restock our inventory multiple times. Customers who once laughed at the idea of buying an AC in Kashmir now want one in every room.”

From snowfall to heatwave

Jammu & Kashmir has experienced unprecedented temperature spikes this year. On 5 July, Srinagar recorded a scorching 37.4°C, the highest July temperature in over 70 years. In June, Qazigund and Kupwara saw temperatures climb 6–8°C above normal, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue heatwave warnings.

“The observed data from the past 40 years shows that maximum temperatures in the region have been rising at an average rate of 0.035°C per year, while minimum temperatures have increased by 0.022°C annually,” said Mohammad Muslim, assistant professor at the Department of Environmental Science, University of Kashmir. Speaking to Kashmir Life, he attributed the warming trend to both natural and human-induced factors, including greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and changes in land use.

In the same report, Irfan Rashid, assistant professor at the Department of Geoinformatics, University of Kashmir, was quoted as saying, “Kashmir has warmed by approximately 1°C over the past four decades, with high-altitude areas witnessing a rise of nearly 1.25°C. While global climate forces are the main contributors, localised factors such as urbanisation, deforestation, biomass burning, and vehicle emissions have significantly intensified the warming at the regional level.”

“In the last 30 years, we never saw demand like this,” said Mohammad Rafiq, a distributor quoted in The Kashmir Monitor. “This summer has changed everything. From middle-class homes to offices, everyone is looking for cooling solutions.”

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The demand is not limited to the capital city. In towns like Pulwama, Baramulla, and Anantnag, retailers are reporting two to three times more sales than usual, with inverter ACs and energy-efficient models being the most sought after.

Industry responds to the shift

National brands have been quick to notice the trend. Companies like Blue Star, Panasonic, Voltas, and LG are now targeting the Valley as an emerging growth market.

In an earlier statement to The Indian Express, a Blue Star spokesperson confirmed a rise in demand, “Demand in the Kashmir region has grown substantially over the past two years. We’re seeing better sales growth here than in some of the traditional metro cities.”

To cater to specific local needs, several brands have launched heating-and-cooling combo units, rust-proof outdoor units, and ACs with features suited for Kashmir’s dual-weather conditions — hot summers and cold winters.

Changing climate, changing mindset

According to a Kashmir Observerreport, climate experts have warned that this is part of a larger trend. Urbanisation, loss of green cover, and global climate change have pushed Kashmir into an unfamiliar climate zone, with increasing reports of heat-related illnesses and public health advisories being issued during peak summer.

Residents agree that something has shifted. “Five years ago, we wouldn’t have imagined needing an AC in the Valley,” said Nisar Wani, a resident of Ganderbal. “Now, we can’t imagine surviving June and July without it.”

Government departments are taking note too. As per The Kashmir Monitor, the Jammu & Kashmir Power Development Department (JKPDD) has issued advisories about rising electricity consumption during peak hours and is working on load management strategies.

The road ahead

While the growth in AC sales has provided a surprising economic boost to local dealers and national brands alike, environmentalists are sounding a note of caution. The growing use of ACs can contribute to higher emissions unless accompanied by cleaner energy sources and better infrastructure.

Experts have no doubt that the Kashmir valley is getting warmer fast. But what’s important is how we adapt and not just with appliances, but with long-term planning for energy efficiency and environmental preservation in the entire Himalayan region.