Srinagar city recorded its highest ever daytime temperature for the month of February on Saturday, as much of the Kashmir Valley experienced an unseasonably strong heatwave, officials said. The maximum temperature in the summer capital climbed to about 21 °C, roughly 10 degrees above the seasonal average surpassing the previous February record of 20.6 °C set in 2016.
Weather stations across the region also logged unusually warm figures for this time of year. The famous hill resort of Gulmarg registered around 11.5 °C, breaking its own February record, while Kokernag in south Kashmir recorded temperatures close to 18 °C, also among the highest on record for the month.
According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, many areas in the valley have seen daytime temperatures far above normal typically by 9–11 °C contributing to what experts are calling one of the warmest February spells in the region in about a decade.
Local meteorologists attributed the heat to prolonged dry weather and persistent sunshine, with little to no rain or snowfall over recent weeks. IMD officials warned that the heatwave conditions could continue for several more days, with temperatures expected to rise further before the end of the month.
The surge in temperatures has raised concerns among farmers, environmentalists and residents alike. Agricultural experts note that such unseasonal warmth can affect crop cycles and snowmelt patterns in higher altitudes, while climate scientists say these weather extremes align with broader trends linked to climate change and shifting seasonal norms.
For the people of Kashmir a region known for its cold winters and snow‑clad landscapes the heatwave has been an unexpected break from typical winter conditions, prompting weather advisories and reminders to stay hydrated and take precautions against the sudden warmth.
