Warm spell in Kashmir’s peaks sparks curiosity, snowmelt

Anantnag, Jan 8: Several upper reaches in southern Kashmir recently experienced warmer days compared to the low-lying areas, sparking discussions among locals and experts alike.

Areas such as Ahlan-Gadole and Matigawran, the remotest parts of Kokernag, along with D K Marg in Kulgam and Hirpora in Shopian, situated beneath the Pir Panjal mountain ranges, reported this unusual phenomenon last Saturday.

“Yes, it felt warm that afternoon in our area,” said Ishfaq Ahmad, a local from Gadole village of Kokernag.

He said that morning and the night before that was extremely cold.

Experts have clarified that the warming is not due to a heat wave but rather an increase in atmospheric moisture - a phenomenon not uncommon in the region.

“The moist air originating from the Arabian Sea due to Western Disturbances is warmer than the surface or continental air,” noted meteorologist Sonam Lotus told Greater Kashmir. “This creates a perception of warmth even when temperatures are not significantly high.”

He likened the phenomenon to the coastal regions of India like Goa, Kerala, and Mumbai, which feel warm despite moderate temperatures.

Lotus said that while the maximum temperature in Kokernag was recorded at 1 degree Celsius, the higher reaches like Gadole might have experienced temperatures around 2 degrees Celsius.

Noted geologist and earth scientist Prof Shakeel Ahmad Romshoo also dismissed speculation on social media linking the warming to volcanic, tectonic, or hot spring activity.

“Intense warm-air advection over parts of south Kashmir on January 4 caused a rapid increase in temperatures and significant snowmelt,” Romshoo posted on social media.

He attributed the rise to air-mass transformation, which led to a surface-based temperature inversion, often accompanied by dense fog.

“The process involved atmospheric motion transporting warm air from a high-temperature region to a colder one, associated with westerlies and other air mass movements,” Romshoo said. “Cloud cover, long-wave radiation, and turbulent heat flux further contributed to localised warming.”

Observations from weather stations in south Kashmir, including Daksum, Ahlan-Gadole, Matigawran, and Hirpora, reflected warm-air advection.

However, other areas, such as Awantipora, showed no such patterns.

An independent weatherman said that warm spells before heavy snowfall were common in Kashmir.

“This happens due to Western Disturbances, which bring moisture-laden winds temporarily raising temperatures. Warm air holds more moisture, and as it cools significant snowfall follows,” he said.

Kashmir’s unique geography also plays a role, trapping warm air before colder conditions take over.

“If it feels unusually warm, prepare for a heavy snowstorm soon,” he said.