In a concerning turn of events, the Jhelum River, a lifeline for the Kashmir Valley, is experiencing historic lows at Sangam in south Kashmir and Asham in north Kashmir.
The gauge reading at Sangam reached -0.75 ft at 9 a.m., a level not seen since November 2017. Similarly, Asham recorded an all-time low of 0.86 ft at 9 a.m.
Adding to the woes, Jammu City shivers at 2.5°C, recording the lowest January temperature since 2017.
The current temperature is 4.5°C below the average for this time of the year, with the all-time lowest temperature of 0.5°C recorded on January 24, 2016.
In various regions across the valley, temperature records are being shattered, signaling an unprecedented deviation from the historical norms. Qazigund, with its temperature reaching 15.8°C, has marked the 3rd highest reading since 1956.
This abrupt surge in temperature is not only notable for its intensity but also stands as the highest recorded in the past 14 years, emphasizing the rarity of this climatic event. Pahalgam, another focal point in the valley, records a temperature of 13.1°C, standing as the 3rd highest since 1978.
The significance of this reading is underscored by the fact that it represents the highest temperature observed in the region over the last 6 years, underlining the exceptional nature of the current weather patterns.
Moving further north, Kupwara experiences a temperature of 15.8°C, ranking as the 4th highest since 1977. This temperature spike is particularly noteworthy as it surpasses the highest recorded in the last 9 years, indicating a departure from the typical climate patterns observed in the region.
Similarly, Batote registers an astonishing 19.4°C, securing the 5th highest temperature since 1977. The gravity of this observation is further heightened by the fact that it is the highest temperature documented in the area over the past 9 years, pointing to an unusual and potentially concerning warming trend.
Meanwhile, Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir, contends with the 6th highest maximum temperature since 1892, a historic milestone that underscores the severity and unprecedented nature of the current climatic conditions.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, sub- zero temperatures persisted in the region with Srinagar at -4.2°C, Qazigund at -4.0°C, Pahalgam at -5.5°C, and other regions experiencing chilly conditions.
The combination of a dry spell and unusual temperature patterns raises concerns about the impact on water resources and the overall climate in the region.