SRINAGAR, FEB 08: Jammu and Kashmir experienced one of its driest and warmest January’s in over four decades, underscoring the impacts of climate change in the Himalayan region.
Barring the Jammu plains, most weather stations across the Union Territory recorded mean maximum temperatures more than 8°C above normal on some days. The absence of rain and snowfall due to inactive Western Disturbances contributed to the exceptionally high temperatures.
However, foggy conditions kept temperatures much lower in the Jammu, Samba and Kathua plains. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) data showed the mean maximum temperature in Srinagar in January 2024 was 11.9°C – the highest in 43 years. Gulmarg and Banihal also recorded their hottest January mean maximum temperatures at 5.7°C and 16.9°C respectively.
Jammu bucked the warming trend with a mean maximum of 13.4°C – the lowest since 1983. Minimum temperatures were also more 3-4°C above normal, indicating warmer nights. Places like Gulmarg and Batote recorded their second highest mean maximum temperatures.
According to weather officials, average temperatures have risen across Jammu and Kashmir over the past 30 years due to climate change. IMD statistics underscored the long-term warming and drying trend.
Srinagar’s precipitation this January was just 3 mm compared to 1.2 mm in 2018 and 9 mm in 1986. The 11.9°C mean maximum temperature was significantly higher than 11.4°C in 2018 and 11.7°C in 2001. Minimum temperature fell from 0°C in 2022 to -3.2°C in 2024.
The warming has affected snowfall and winter rain vital for recharging water sources. Experts warn the recent dry and warm January could hit rain-fed crops like apples, apricots and almonds. The production of the upcoming apple harvest is expected to take a notable hit. ” Warm January average temperature shows how climate change is amplifying temperatures and impacting the winter precipitation patterns in Jammu and Kashmir. The long-term data analysis underscores the marked warming and drying trend in recent decades,” said an expert.
