Srinagar, Sep 04: The summer heat appears to be slowly loosening its grip over Jammu & Kashmir, with Gulmarg recording a minimum temperature of 6.2°C on Friday, offering a clear sign of the region’s gradual transition towards autumn.
Independent weatherman Faizan Arif said the temperature was the lowest recorded in Gulmarg since May 15 this year, describing the sharp fall in night-time temperatures as an early indication that the prolonged summer warmth is beginning to retreat.
However, the dip does not mean that Jammu and Kashmir has completely moved out of the summer season. Above-normal temperatures could still occur in the days ahead, but the overall trend is expected to gradually shift towards less hot and humid daytime conditions.
The change is particularly noticeable in the higher reaches, where nights have begun turning distinctly cooler and mornings are carrying a sharper chill.
Climate expert Dr Touseef Bhat said falling night temperatures are an important indicator of seasonal transition, although they should not be interpreted as an abrupt end to summer.
“Night temperatures generally respond to seasonal changes earlier than daytime temperatures. The fall being recorded in places like Gulmarg indicates that the transition towards autumn has started,” Bhat said.
He, however, cautioned that warmer spells could continue in the coming days.
“Jammu and Kashmir can still witness above-normal temperatures. A few warm days do not mean that the seasonal transition has reversed; what matters is the broader trend over a longer period,” he said.
According to Arif, the gradual decline in night temperatures is likely to become more evident as the region moves deeper into September, with higher-altitude areas experiencing the seasonal shift first.
For Kashmir, the changing temperatures mark the beginning of a familiar annual transformation. The intensity of summer gradually softens, evenings become cooler and the landscape begins its slow journey towards the golden hues of autumn.
For now, summer is not entirely over, and warm afternoons may persist. But Gulmarg’s 6.2°C morning chill is a clear reminder that the season is turning—with autumn quietly beginning to knock on Kashmir’s door.
