Srinagar, July 3 -- The immediate impact has been sharp and visible. The government, responding to the severity of the heatwave, advanced summer vacations for both schools and colleges by up to a month. That alone should tell us how exceptional this summer has been. July and August are typically the hottest in Kashmir, yet this June stands out.

This is affecting every aspect of life. Canals that brought meltwater from glaciers are running dry, particularly in south Kashmir's Pulwama and Anantnag districts. Farmers fear that their entire crop will be lost if it doesn't rain. Apple orchards, a key part of the Valley's economy, are already showing signs of stress.

More worrying is the steady decline in precipitation. Beginning with last wi...