Less snow, early glacier melt raise concerns for tourism, water, horticulture
Mudassir Ahmad
Srinagar, Feb 25: Kashmir is experiencing an unusually warm winter this year, with temperatures rising to record levels across the Valley.
Meteorologists and environmental experts warn that the persistent dry spell, weak snowfall and rising temperatures could have significant implications for water resources, horticulture and winter tourism.
The winter chill has weakened sharply in recent days, with Srinagar recording its highest-ever February daytime temperature on February 21, 2026. The mercury climbed to 21.0°C, nearly 10 degrees above the seasonal average, marking an unprecedented spike for the month.
According to independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif, the previous highest February temperature recorded in Srinagar was 20.6°C, observed on February 24, 2016.
“This is not a routine warm spell. Such a large temperature departure in February indicates a significant atmospheric anomaly,” he said.
Officials from the Meteorological Department also attributed the unusual temperatures to prolonged dry weather and deficient snowfall during the winter months.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the Meteorological Centre in Srinagar, said Kashmir has witnessed persistent dry conditions this winter.
“Snowfall has been deficient and skies have largely remained clear, allowing intense solar heating during the day. These factors are pushing temperatures well above normal levels,” he said.
Experts say the warming trend is already beginning to impact various sectors of the Valley’s economy. Snow cover in many lower and mid-altitude areas has shrunk rapidly, while some streams are already showing signs of early snowmelt flows, raising concerns about water availability in the coming months.
Environmental observers warn that glaciers and seasonal snowpacks serve as natural reservoirs that gradually release water during spring and summer. With snowfall below normal and snow melting earlier than usual, experts fear water flow could decline later in the year.
The tourism sector, which heavily relies on snowfall during winter, has also been affected. Several destinations known for snow-based tourism have witnessed reduced snow cover, impacting visitor expectations and activities.
Farooq Ahmad, a Srinagar-based travel agent, said the lack of snowfall has already affected tourist arrivals.
“Most tourists visit Kashmir in winter to witness snowfall and experience frozen landscapes, including Dal Lake partially freezing. This year snowfall has been limited, which has affected winter tourism,” he said. “January was relatively better, but as temperatures have risen and snow has started melting early, tourist arrivals have also declined.”
The unusual weather conditions have also triggered debate among policymakers. The lack of sufficient snow has created challenges for athletes participating in the Khelo India Winter Games at Gulmarg.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has advocated the installation of artificial snow generation systems in Gulmarg to ensure the continuity of winter sports amid changing snowfall patterns.
However, the proposal has drawn criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party, which argued that artificial snow is only a temporary solution and stressed the need for stronger environmental measures to address the broader impacts of climate change in the region.
Meanwhile, the horticulture sector—considered the backbone of Kashmir’s rural economy—is also showing early signs of stress. In several districts, almond and apple orchards have begun displaying premature biological activity.
Farmers have reported swelling buds and early flowering in fruit trees, developments that typically occur weeks later in the season. Experts warn that if temperatures drop suddenly in March or April, frost during the flowering stage could severely damage blossoms and reduce fruit yields.
“This early bloom is worrying. If frost occurs during the flowering stage, it could significantly damage crops,” said Shahid Ahmad, a researcher at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir.
Experts warn that the unusually warm February highlights a broader climatic shift in the region. Winters in Kashmir, they say, are becoming shorter, warmer and more erratic, posing new challenges for agriculture, water management and the tourism-dependent economy of the Valley.
