Srinagar, Jan 26: Kashmir, including its capital Srinagar, is grappling with an unusual weather pattern this January, as temperatures soar beyond 14°C, making it feel more like spring than winter. Daytime temperatures, 6 to 8 degrees above the seasonal average, have raised alarm among experts, who link the phenomenon to increasing urbanisation, unchecked pollution, and the broader impact of climate change.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Director of the Meteorological Department in Srinagar, expressing concern about the changing weather patterns, told Rising Kashmir, “It truly feels like summer in January. This is highly unusual, and the reasons behind it are multifaceted—ranging from the rapid urbanization of the region to increasing pollution levels and the surge in vehicle numbers.”
Dr. Ahmed noted that this isn’t the first time such temperatures have been recorded. “Last year, January temperatures were similarly abnormal. Over the past decade, we have observed a drastic change in weather patterns, with winter seasons becoming warmer and less predictable,” he added.
The weather anomaly is further compounded by a concerning decline in precipitation. Dr. Ahmed pointed out, “Last year, Jammu and Kashmir experienced an 81 percent precipitation deficit, and this winter has recorded a shortfall of over 75 percent so far. This prolonged dry spell has significantly contributed to the rise in temperatures.”
Baraham Pal, a meteorologist at the Srinagar Meteorological Centre, explained the scientific basis for the anomaly. “The rising levels of carbon monoxide and other pollutants create a barrier in the atmosphere, preventing moisture from reaching the required atmospheric layers. Consequently, the sun’s rays directly heat the plains, leading to these unseasonably high temperatures,” he said.
Pal also cited deforestation as a key factor in the region’s changing climate. “While we witnessed snowfall on December 28 and a brief spell thereafter, the precipitation levels are still alarmingly low. This is a clear indicator of global warming, exacerbated by rampant deforestation and human-induced activities,” he said.
The warmer-than-usual winter has left residents concerned, with farmers fearing its potential impact on crops and environmentalists warning of the long-term consequences of neglecting climate change.
Experts are urging policymakers to take swift action to address the crisis. Proposed measures include curbing pollution, regulating urban sprawl, and launching large-scale afforestation projects to mitigate the ongoing environmental changes.
Without decisive intervention, what feels like a temporary spring in January could become a permanent and unsettling reality—serving as a stark reminder of the accelerating effects of climate change.
