Srinagar, Gulmarg see record-breaking temperatures
Falak Bilal
Srinagar, Feb 21: Kashmir witnessed an unusual surge in temperatures on Saturday, with several weather stations recording all-time or near-record maximum temperatures for the month of February, according to the India Meteorological Department (MET Centre Srinagar).
Srinagar registered a historic high of 21°C, the highest ever recorded in the city for February, surpassing the previous record of 20.6°C set on February 24, 2016. Tourist destination Gulmarg also broke its long-standing record, with the mercury rising to 11.5°C, edging past the earlier high of 11.4°C recorded in 1993.
Meanwhile, Kukernag recorded 18.3°C, marking the second-highest February temperature on record for the station, just shy of its all-time high of 18.4°C recorded in 2016.
Officials at MET Centre Srinagar described the trend as a significant departure from normal weather patterns for this time of the year.
“These temperatures are unusually high for February and indicate a warming trend over the region. Maximum temperatures are expected to rise further by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius across many places over the next six days,” Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, director MET Centre Srinagar said.
The continued rise in temperatures has raised concerns about its potential impact on agriculture, snow cover, and water resources in the Valley, especially as winter precipitation has remained below normal in several areas this season.
With forecasts indicating a further increase in daytime temperatures, residents have been advised to stay updated with weather advisories as the region experiences an early hint of spring-like conditions.
