Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Feb 21: Kashmir witnessed unusual February warmth on Saturday as several weather stations recorded record or near-record maximum temperatures, with Srinagar registering its highest-ever February temperature.
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According to the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, the summer capital recorded a maximum temperature of 21.0 degree C, shattering the previous all-time February record of 20.6 degree C set on February 24, 2016. The temperature stood 10 degree C above normal, marking an extraordinary winter departure.
The ski resort of Gulmarg also recorded its highest February maximum at 11.5 degree C, surpassing the earlier record of 11.4 degree C recorded on February 11, 1993.
The maximum temperature reached 18.3 degree C at Kokarnag, making it the second-highest February maximum on record. The all-time high remains 18.4 degree C, recorded on February 29, 2016.
Other stations also reported temperatures far above seasonal norms. Qazigund recorded 20.0degree C, nearly 9.9 degree C above normal, while hill resort of Pahalgam registered 17.2 degree C, about 9.7 degree C above normal. In north Kashmir, Kupwara also recorded 20.0 degree C, around 9.9 degree C above normal.
“This is not an isolated spike but part of a broader, intensifying warm spell. With dry conditions likely to persist and no significant Western Disturbance in sight, maximum temperatures are expected to climb even further in the coming days,” Kashmir’s independent weather observer Faizan Arif said.
He added that Kashmir is currently witnessing temperatures that are strikingly similar to what is normally recorded in mid-April.
“The maximum temperatures being recorded at present closely match the long-term averages observed around the middle of April,” he said.
The MET Centre has forecast that maximum temperatures may rise further by 1-2 degree C across many places over the next six days. The weather is likely to remain dry till February-end.
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