Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Feb 26: Day temperatures continued to hover above normal across Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, with several places in Kashmir recording departures of 6 to 9 degrees Celsius above the seasonal average.
According to the data, Srinagar recorded a maximum of 20.2 degrees Celsius, 8.2 degrees above normal, while Qazigund settled at 20.4 degrees, 9.4 notches above normal. Kupwara registered 20.3 degrees (8.9 above normal) and Kokernag 18.9 degrees (9.1 above normal). Pahalgam recorded 14.6 degrees, 6.1 above normal, and Gulmarg 10.6 degrees, 8.2 above normal.
In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded a maximum of 27.0 degrees Celsius, 3.9 degrees above normal. Katra settled at 25.2 degrees (4.3 above normal), while Banihal and Batote recorded over 20 degrees each, nearly 7 degrees above normal. Bhaderwah registered 18.9 degrees, 4.5 above normal.
Ladakh also witnessed relatively mild conditions, with Leh at 7.4 degrees Celsius, Kargil at 9.3 degrees and Nubra Valley at 10.9 degrees.
The continued spell of warmer days, coupled with a significant precipitation deficit this month, has begun to reflect on the ground. Horticulture experts said several fruit trees and ornamental plants in the Valley are showing signs of early budding and flowering, weeks ahead of their usual schedule.
They said the reduced chill period has shortened dormancy in apple and other temperate fruit crops, potentially disturbing their natural growth cycle. Any sudden cold spell at this stage, they cautioned, could affect flowering, fruit setting and overall yield.
Farmers have also reported accelerated vegetative growth in some seasonal crops, raising concerns about long-term crop health if dry and warm conditions persist.
