Srinagar, Feb 22: Several parts of the Kashmir Valley on Saturday recorded maximum temperatures 8 to 11 degrees Celsius above normal, reflecting an unusual spike for this time of the season, according to data compiled by Kashmir Weather.
Srinagar recorded a high of 20.7°C, which is 9.7°C above normal, while Qazigund registered 21.5°C, 11.4°C above the seasonal average. Pahalgam settled at 17.5°C, 10 degrees above normal, and Kupwara recorded 20.8°C, 10.7°C above normal.
Kokernag recorded a maximum of 19.0°C, 10.2°C above normal, while Gulmarg, a major ski resort, registered 10.0°C, which is 8 degrees above the average for this period.
In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded a maximum temperature of 25.0°C, 2.7°C above normal. Banihal registered 21.2°C, 8.1°C above average, while Batote recorded 19.1°C, 6.5°C above normal.
Bhaderwah settled at 20.3°C, 6.1°C above normal, and Katra recorded 24.0°C, which is 3.9°C above the seasonal average.
In Ladakh, Leh recorded a maximum of 7.8°C, while Kargil and Nubra Valley both registered 9.4°C. Data on departures from normal in the Ladakh region was not immediately available.
The above-normal temperatures across the Valley come amid a prolonged dry spell, with no major rain or snowfall reported in recent days. Weather observers have noted that such deviations from seasonal averages could have implications for agriculture and water resources if the trend continues.(KNS).
