Srinagar records 6th hottest January day in 100 years at 15°C

Srinagar, Jan 13: Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 15 degrees Celsius over the weekend, marking the warmest day in 14 years in the heart of Chillai Kalan, traditionally considered the harshest phase of winter, scheduled to conclude on January 29.

The Meteorological Department officials said that not only Srinagar, but many stations across Kashmir recorded temperatures 6 to 8 degrees Celsius above normal.

Banihal station recorded the highest maximum temperature at 20.8 degrees Celsius, followed by Srinagar at 15 degrees Celsius, while Jammu recorded 8.9 degrees Celsius.

Today's temperature is the sixth-highest recorded temperature in over a century, with Srinagar reaching 15.1 degrees Celsius on January 23, 2003, 15.5 degrees Celsius on January 9, 1976, 15.7 degrees Celsius on January 31, 2001, 15.8 degrees Celsius on January 25, 2010, and 17.2 degrees Celsius on January 23, 1902.

The MeT officials said that several stations reported unusually warm temperatures this season, with the mercury rising to 23.4 degrees Celsius on January 11, marking the highest-ever maximum temperature for the area.