SRINAGAR: Kashmir has recorded its warmest February in documented history, with all major weather stations across the Valley registering their highest-ever maximum temperatures for the month, according to independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif of Kashmir Weather.
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Data compiled by Arif shows that the unprecedented warmth extended across both plains and hill stations, overturning long-standing records and delivering spring-like afternoons during what is traditionally considered the peak winter period.
In Srinagar, the maximum temperature climbed to 15.6°C, surpassing the previous February record of 14.9°C set in 2016. Similarly, Qazigund recorded 15.2°C, comfortably exceeding its earlier high of 14.1°C from 2016.
In north Kashmir’s Kupwara, the mercury touched 14.8°C, narrowly but decisively overtaking the previous record of 14.7°C recorded in 2016.
South Kashmir also witnessed record-breaking temperatures. Kokernag recorded 13.5°C, surpassing its earlier February high of 12.8°C set in 2016, while tourist resort Pahalgam registered 12.1°C, exceeding its previous record of 11.6°C from the same year.
Even the hill station of Gulmarg, typically among the coldest locations in the Valley during February, recorded 7.0°C — breaking its long-standing February record of 5.9°C set in 2006.
February in Kashmir is traditionally associated with persistent chill, snow cover, and sub-zero nights. However, this year’s unusually high daytime temperatures have shifted seasonal patterns, marking a historic departure from established winter norms.
Weather observers note that the widespread nature of the record-breaking warmth — spanning plains, foothills, and higher elevations — places February 2026 among the warmest Februarys ever documented in Kashmir’s meteorological records.