Several parts of Kashmir experienced unusual warmth on Thursday, with Srinagar recording a maximum temperature of 20.1°C, its warmest February day since 2016.
The temperature in Srinagar was just 0.5°C below the all-time February record of 20.6°C set on February 24, 2016. The temperature in Srinagar stood 9.7°C above normal, reflecting a sharp departure from typical winter conditions.
The famous ski resort of Gulmarg registered 11.4°C, equalling its highest-ever February temperature recorded on February 11, 1993. The reading was nearly 10°C above normal.
Other parts of Kashmir also experienced significant temperature departures. Qazigund recorded 20.4°C, which is 10.9°C above normal, while Kupwara saw 19.4°C which is 9.9°C above normal. Kokernag reported 17.8°C, which is 9.6°C above normal, and tourist destination Pahalgam recorded 16.0°C, around 9°C above normal.
The night temperatures also remained above seasonal averages. Minimum temperatures stayed 0–4°C above normal at many places in the Kashmir region and 0–3°C above normal across much of the Jammu Division. Despite the overall warming trend, the coldest night temperature in Kashmir was recorded at ski resort Gulmarg at –2.5°C, while Bhaderwah in the Jammu region recorded the lowest minimum at 1.9°C.
According to the Meteorological Department, weather conditions are expected to remain mainly dry and there is no significant change likely during the subsequent two days.
