Srinagar Registers Second-Highest January Temperature in Half a Century

According to the meteorological department, Srinagar recorded 15 degree Celsius on January 13, “The all-time record is 17.2 degree Celsius on January 23, 1902,” the department said.

Srinagar, on Saturday, experienced an unusual weather phenomenon as it recorded the second-highest January temperature in half a century. The meteorological department reported a temperature of 15 degrees Celsius on January 13, with the all-time record standing at 17.2 degrees Celsius on January 23, 1902.

The extended dry spell and the absence of snowfall in the plains of Kashmir have contributed to the rise in temperatures across various stations in the region. Most stations in Kashmir have reported temperatures 6 to 8 degrees Celsius above normal, with the Banihal station recording the highest at 20.8 degrees Celsius.

In a departure from typical weather patterns, Jammu, the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded 8.9 degrees Celsius on Saturday, while the summer capital Srinagar registered 15 degrees Celsius. Night temperatures across Kashmir have seen an improvement.

The meteorological department anticipates the possibility of light snow in isolated higher reaches due to weak western disturbances on January 16 and 20. Dry weather is expected to persist until January 23, with the forecast also indicating fog and cold day conditions in the plains of Jammu division from Sunday.

This year, snowfall has been notably scarce across Kashmir, affecting popular tourist destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonmarg in the high-altitude regions.