The hottest greater heat has surprised both the local people and experts after the hottest June (one of the top 3 since 1975), according to the hottest June (Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Science and Technology in about 50 years. The climate of Kashmir, known for its light summer and snow -covered winter, is changing rapidly. The daily life and ecosystem are equally impacted due to the scorching heat and unusual dry weather. According to the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce, there has been an increase of 180 percent in the demand for air conditioners and coolers, once considered rare in this region. What is the reason behind the sudden increase in temperature and what can it mean for the future of Kashmir?
How is the climate of Kashmir?
The Kashmir Valley usually has a temperamental climate with four different seasons. Spring, summer, autumn and winter. These include spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are generally pleasant. In winter (December to February), the temperature goes below zero. Height areas have heavy snowfall and moderate snowfall in the plains. Day temperature in summer (June to August) reaches 36 ° C in urban areas and about 30 degrees Celsius in lush green tourist destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam. Due to regular western disturbance, there is intermittent rain, which keeps the weather cool. July and August are usually the hottest months of the year.
What happened in weather change?
In the last few years, the weather of Kashmir is constantly becoming uncertain. The valley has been drought for a long time and has steadily increased in temperature. This year, the hottest month in June was recorded in about 50 years. In which the temperature of the day was about three degrees above normal. On Saturday (July 5), Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 37.4 degrees Celsius, the highest temperature in the last seven decades and the third highest temperature in the city so far. In 1953, Srinagar recorded a slightly higher temperature in 37.7 degrees Celsius on the same day. The highest temperature so far is 38.3 degrees Celsius, which was recorded on 10 July 1946. Meanwhile, Pahalgam recorded the highest temperature of 31.6 degrees Celsius so far. Which broke the record of 31.5 degrees recorded in July last year.
Is it worrying?
According to a report by the Indian Express, independent weather forecast Faizan Arif said that the worrying thing is that this year the mercury remains high in the valley. Arif said, “We have had high temperatures before, but they were sporadic events.” “This year the temperature remains above normal. Both maximum and minimum temperatures remain high.” Rising heat can become a hindrance in attracting tourists. Which will cause damage to the tourism industry and local economy. The increase in temperature in Kashmir is a serious concern with far -reaching consequences. This not only affects the environment and economy, but is also a threat to the life and livelihood of the local population.
Due to increase in temperature?
Mukhtar Ahmed, director of the Indian Meteorological Department, Srinagar, blamed several factors for the temperature increase. Says Ahmed, “First, temperature is rising worldwide due to global warming. Whenever the temperature in Kashmir crossed 35 degrees Celsius, it used to rain. Which used to get relief. But now we are looking at the drought situation for a long time.” He said that one of the main reasons for this is less availability of water vapor. Ahmed said, “There has been very little snowfall in the mountains, and whatever snow falls melts by March. Which causes the mountains to become naked.” Ahmed also pointed to the role of Urban Heat Island (UHI), which enhance the heat.
What is Urban Heat Island?
Urban Heat Island (UHI) is a metropolitan or urban area which is quite hot compared to the rural areas around it. The construction of UchI is due to rapid urbanization, concreteness, macadamization, low water bodies and low vegetation. The urban areas of the valley-especially Srinagar-have been made in such a way that there is very few space left for greenery compared to the surrounding rural areas. Urban surfaces maintain more heat, which increases the temperature. The movement and industrial activity of vehicles makes the situation worse.
What will be the results of this?
Currently, the increase in temperature in Kashmir is a worrying trend and can have many serious consequences. For the last few decades, the average temperature has seen a steady increase in the Kashmir Valley. Various studies have shown that the growth rate in the annual average temperature can be higher than the global average. Summer is getting longer and more hot. The incidence of heat stroke has increased, which not only affects human health, but also increases the pressure on agriculture and environment. The increase in temperature has also been observed in winter. As a result, there is less snowfall and the pattern of snowfall has also become irregular. This is a major threat to tourism industries like skiing.
Water resources also in danger
The Himalayan region, including Kashmir, is one of the fastest melting glaciers in the world. The increase in temperature is accelerating this process. For example, the size of several glaciers, including the glaciers near the Amarnath cave, is steadily decreasing. The rivers, waterfalls and lakes of Kashmir are mainly nurtured by glaciers and snowfall water. Glaciers are melting rapidly due to rising temperature, which will increase the amount of water in the beginning, but in the long run it can cause water sources to dry up. This will have a serious impact on drinking water, irrigation and hydroelectric production. Due to increasing temperature, favorable conditions for traditional crops are changing. The cultivation of apples, saffron and other specific Kashmiri products is negatively impacting. Due to increasing heat, crops require more irrigation, which puts further pressure on stressed water resources. The increase in temperature in Kashmir is a serious concern with far -reaching consequences.
