Kashmir Melts: January 2024 Heats Up Record Books
Srinagar, Feb 05 (KF): Kashmir experienced an unprecedented heatwave in January 2024, shattering all previously recorded temperatures for the month.
The absence of snowfall and inactive Western Disturbances fueled the extreme hot spell, with temperatures exceeding normal levels by as much as 8°C on some days.
Srinagar, the region’s capital, registered its warmest-ever mean maximum temperature for January, tying at 11.7°C with 2001 and 1902. Similar records were broken in numerous other locations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Qazigund, Kokernag, and Kupwara.
“Notably, Jammu’s Banihal witnessed an all-time high mean maximum temperature of 16.4°C, while Bhaderwah and Batote recorded their second-highest readings ever as per the Kashmir Weather.
This extreme heat event raises concerns about potential environmental and socio-economic consequences, including water scarcity, agricultural impacts, and disrupted ecosystems. (KF)