Multiple temp records broken
Falak Bilal
Srinagar, Feb 22: Unseasonably warm conditions have gripped the Kashmir Valley,
prolonged dry spell across Jammu and Kashmir.
Disturbance have led to a sharp rise in daytime temperatures, with forecasts indicating
sunny and dry weather to persist over the next 10 days, at least until March 2.
On Sunday, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 20.7°C, nearly 9.7°C above
the seasonal average. Other stations across the valley also reported striking deviations,
with Qazigund touching 21.5°C (+11.4°C), Pahalgam at 17.5°C (+10.0°C), and Kupwara
at 20.8°C (+10.7°C).
Similarly, Kokernag recorded 19.0°C, while Gulmarg, typically known for its cold
conditions, registered 10.0°C — around 8°C above normal.
Meteorological data revealed that several locations either matched or surpassed long-
standing February records. Kokernag recorded its highest-ever February temperature at
19.0°C, surpassing the previous record of 18.4°C set in 2016. Qazigund also set a new
record at 21.5°C, exceeding its earlier high of 21.0°C. Meanwhile, Pahalgam recorded
its second-highest February temperature at 17.5°C, just shy of the 2016 record.
The unusual warmth has been attributed to the continued absence of Western
Disturbances — weather systems that typically bring rain and snow to the region during
winter months.
“The current weather pattern is dominated by stable atmospheric conditions and lack of
Western Disturbances, leading to clear skies and a significant rise in day temperatures,”
an official from the Meteorological Department said. “Dry weather is expected to
continue, and temperatures are likely to remain above normal across most parts of the
Valley in the coming days.”
Experts say the trend is a cause for concern, as reduced snowfall and rising winter
temperatures can have long-term implications for water resources, agriculture, and the
fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
With the dry spell expected to persist, residents across Kashmir are experiencing a rare
spell of warmth in what is traditionally one of the coldest months of the year.
