Climate Red Flag? Jhelum Flows Below Zero Gulmarg Hits 17.2°C

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- Kashmir is witnessing unusual weather patterns this March, with the River Jhelum dropping below the zero gauge mark and Gulmarg recording a historic temperature of 17.2°C in the first week of the month, raising concerns among experts about the impact of deficient snowfall and rising temperatures.

According to official flood control data, the Jhelum was flowing at minus 0.86 feet at Sangam in south Kashmir at 9 am on Thursday, indicating discharge below the zero level, an uncommon development for early March when gradual snowmelt usually boosts the river's flow.

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Independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif said the unusually low river level reflects deficient winter precipitation and weak snow accumulation in the higher reaches of the valley.

“Early March generally witnesses a noticeable rise in the river level as snow in the mountains begins to melt gradually. This year the rise was brief and weak despite warm spells in February,” Faizan said,

He said the situation is linked to a poor snowpack and unusual temperature patterns observed this winter.

“For the first time in history, Gulmarg has recorded 17.2 degrees Celsius in the first week of March, which is 13.7 degrees above normal and very close to the all time highest temperature of 18 degrees Celsius recorded there,” he said.

Meteorological Department data shows that day temperatures remained significantly above normal across Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday.

In Srinagar, the maximum temperature settled at 24.7°C, which is 11.7°C above normal, while Qazigund recorded 24.6°C, around 12°C above normal. Pahalgam recorded 20.8°C and Kupwara 23.7°C, both more than 10°C above seasonal averages.

In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded 32.4°C, which is 8.1°C above normal, while several other stations including Banihal, Batote and Bhaderwah also recorded temperatures more than 10°C above normal.

The Meteorological Department said no precipitation was recorded across Jammu and Kashmir in the last 24 hours, and the weather remained dry across the Union Territory.

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Agriculture experts say the declining water level in Jhelum could affect irrigation during the crucial paddy nursery preparation period, which begins in April.

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Farmers in south Kashmir districts said water availability during April and May is critical for sowing paddy nurseries.

“We depend on canals fed by the Jhelum and streams from the mountains. If water levels remain low, nursery preparation could be delayed,” said Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, a farmer from Pulwama.

Officials in the irrigation department said the situation is being closely monitored.

“At present there is no immediate crisis, but the trend is not encouraging. If we do not receive adequate rainfall or late snowfall in the coming weeks, it could affect irrigation planning,” an official said.

The Jhelum, which flows through the Kashmir Valley and sustains agriculture across several districts, depends heavily on winter snowfall and spring meltwater.

Faizan said the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the situation improves.

“If March brings normal rainfall, some recovery is possible. Otherwise this could be an early warning of a difficult water year for the region,” he said.

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