Srinagar hits 21°C: Historic February temperature record shattered in Kashmir

Srinagar officially recorded its highest-ever February temperature of 21.0°C on Feb 21, 2026, breaking a decade-old record. Experts warned of a mid-April heatwave in winter as Kashmir's dry spell intensifies.  

Srinagar officially recorded its highest-ever February temperature of 21.0°C on Saturday, February 21, 2026, shattering the previous record of 20.6°C set on February 24, 2016. This historic high was roughly 10.0°C above the seasonal normal, representing an extraordinary deviation for late winter in the Kashmir Valley. 

“This is not an isolated spike but part of a broader, intensifying warm spell. With dry conditions likely to persist and no significant Western Disturbance in sight, maximum temperatures are expected to climb even further in the coming days.” An independent weather expert, Faizan Arif, said. 

Additional long-standing records may fall before the month concludes for other parts of Kashmir as well. February 2026 is now firmly on track to rank among the warmest months ever in Kashmir. 

The record-breaking heat was not limited to Srinagar, as several other stations across the region also reported unprecedented or near-record highs. Maximum temperatures recorded today across Jammu and Kashmir were recorded as above normal. 

The Meteorological (MeT) Centre in Srinagar has forecast that maximum temperatures may rise further by 1°C to 2°C at many places across Jammu and Kashmir over the next six days. Dry conditions are expected to persist until the end of the month, with only a possibility of light rain or snow at isolated places around February 27–28.