Srinagar, Feb 22: Several weather stations across Kashmir recorded their highest-ever February temperatures on Saturday, with departures exceeding 10 degrees Celsius above normal, according to local meteorological data.
At Kokernag, the maximum temperature settled at 19.0 degrees Celsius, the highest ever recorded in the month of February. The previous record of 18.4 degrees Celsius was registered on February 29, 2016, and again on February 20, 2026. The temperature was 10.2 degrees above normal for this time of the year.
Similarly, Qazigund recorded 21.5 degrees Celsius, breaking its earlier February record of 21.0 degrees Celsius set on February 20, 2026. The departure from normal was 11.4 degrees Celsius.
In Pahalgam, a prominent tourist destination, the mercury touched 17.5 degrees Celsius, making it the second-highest February temperature ever recorded at the station. The all-time February high of 17.6 degrees Celsius was recorded on February 24, 2016. The temperature was 10 degrees above normal.
The unusual warmth comes amid an overall dry spell across the Valley, with no major precipitation recorded in recent days. Weather observers said the persistent rise in day temperatures has led to early snowmelt in several areas, raising concerns about water availability in the coming months.
Kashmir has been witnessing a significant precipitation deficit this winter, contributing to higher-than-normal daytime temperatures across multiple stations.
The Meteorological Department has forecast mainly dry weather over Jammu and Kashmir in the coming days, with no major rain or snowfall expected till the end of the month.
