Never-Seen-Before Warmth Engulfs Kashmir, Valley Records Warmest February on Record | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Kashmir has recorded its warmest February in documented history, with all major weather stations across the Valley registering their highest-ever maximum temperatures for the month, according to independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif of Kashmir Weather.

Data compiled by Arif shows that the unprecedented warmth extended across both plains and hill stations, overturning long-standing records and delivering spring-like afternoons during what is traditionally considered the peak winter period.

In Srinagar, the maximum temperature climbed to 15.6°C, surpassing the previous February record of 14.9°C set in 2016. Similarly, Qazigund recorded 15.2°C, comfortably exceeding its earlier high of 14.1°C from 2016.

In north Kashmir’s Kupwara, the mercury touched 14.8°C, narrowly but decisively overtaking the previous record of 14.7°C recorded in 2016.

South Kashmir also witnessed record-breaking temperatures. Kokernag recorded 13.5°C, surpassing its earlier February high of 12.8°C set in 2016, while tourist resort Pahalgam registered 12.1°C, exceeding its previous record of 11.6°C from the same year.

Even the hill station of Gulmarg, typically among the coldest locations in the Valley during February, recorded 7.0°C — breaking its long-standing February record of 5.9°C set in 2006.

February in Kashmir is traditionally associated with persistent chill, snow cover, and sub-zero nights. However, this year’s unusually high daytime temperatures have shifted seasonal patterns, marking a historic departure from established winter norms.

Weather observers note that the widespread nature of the record-breaking warmth — spanning plains, foothills, and higher elevations — places February 2026 among the warmest Februarys ever documented in Kashmir’s meteorological records.