Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, Feb 14: With Kashmir experiencing above-normal temperatures at the tail end of winter, early flowering in several plant species has become a common sight-a phenomenon experts say aligns with global weather variability.
The sprouting of plants like willow (Salix) and daffodils, which traditionally mark the arrival of spring in the Valley, is happening unusually early this year. These species, which typically bloom in March, have begun flowering prematurely.
This unusual development has left residents puzzled and experts worried about the shifting flowering patterns, which could have serious consequences for biodiversity and, in particular, the horticulture sector-the primary contributor to the region’s economy.
“This is supposed to be winter, but it feels like spring. We see flower buds sprouting everywhere. Daffodils, which usually bloom in March, have already started flowering,” Mohammad Anwar, a florist, said.
Sameera Qayoom, an agrometeorologist at SKUAST-K, attributes the phenomenon directly to temperature variability. “The temperatures we usually see in March are occurring now. In early February, we recorded temperatures 12°C above normal. This has caused crops that should remain dormant until late February to become active earlier,” she explained.
Qayoom also pointed to the ongoing rainfall deficit as another major factor behind the early bloom. “This trend has been continuing for the last couple of years, indicating a worrying pattern,” she said.
Senior meteorologist Mohammad Hussain Mir, noted that last year saw a 34% rainfall deficit. “January has been almost dry, with no significant rainfall expected in the coming days,” he said. However, he added that global wind patterns over the Pacific Ocean suggest normal or above-normal monsoons this year, with expected rainfall in June and July. “We might see rain in March and April, but there is no certainty,” he cautioned.
The changing weather patterns are particularly concerning for orchardists, as weather variability is affecting the growth cycle of their crops, ultimately impacting both the quantity and quality of fruit.
“Warmer winters are altering the growth cycle of apple trees, shifting the ‘green stage’-typically observed in late March-to occur 10 to 15 days earlier,” Basit, an apple grower from Shopian, said. He added that the rise in temperature also increases the chances of diseases. “The higher the temperature, the more favorable it is for pests to grow and flourish, leading to an early spread of diseases and a greater need for pesticides. This causes multiple problems for farmers,” he said.
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