Sheikh Sahira Maqbool
Kashmir, widely known as paradise on earth, is famous not only for its natural beauty but also for its highly unpredictable and fascinating weather. The climate of Kashmir does not strictly follow the usual pattern of seasons. Instead, it often creates an illusion where winter may feel like summer and summer may suddenly remind people of winter. This unique feature makes the weather of Kashmir both interesting and scientifically significant.
One of the most remarkable experiences of this phenomenon occurs during Chillai kalan the harshest period of winter in Kashmir. During this time, temperatures fall below freezing point, lakes begin to freeze, and snow covers the valley. Life becomes difficult due to the extreme cold. However, on certain days during this period, the sun shines brightly in a clear sky, and the weather feels unexpectedly warm. People come out of their homes, sit in sunlight, and enjoy the warmth as if it were a summer day. This sudden comfort brings happiness and relief, and many people momentarily forget the intensity of winter.
This feeling of warmth during winter can be explained through scientific principles. When the sky is clear, solar radiation from the sun directly reaches the surface of the earth without being blocked by clouds. Although the air temperature remains low, the direct sunlight warms the human body and nearby surfaces. This creates a sensation of warmth. In addition, snow reflects sunlight due to its high reflectivity, increasing brightness and enhancing the feeling of warmth. Thus, even in freezing conditions, people may feel as if summer has arrived.A simple experiment helps to understand this concept. If two thermometers are placed outside on a winter day—one in direct sunlight and the other in shade—the thermometer in sunlight will show a higher temperature. This proves that sunlight directly increases perceived warmth even if the surrounding air remains cold.On the other hand, Kashmir’s summer also presents surprising changes.
“Kashmir’s weather is a blend of scientific laws and subjective human experience. The unpredictable shifts—like winter warmth or summer chills—do more than just change the temperature; they deeply influence the emotions, lifestyle, and culture of the local people, turning the climate into a lived experience of wonder and illusion.”
During months like June and July, mornings are often bright and sunny. However, the weather can change suddenly. Clouds gather, rainfall begins, and cool winds start blowing. The temperature drops significantly, and the atmosphere starts feeling cold, almost like winter. People often need light woollen clothes even in summer evenings.This sudden cooling can be explained by geographical and atmospheric factors. Kashmir is surrounded by high mountains, which strongly influence its climate. Cold air from higher altitudes can descend into the valley, reducing temperature quickly. Rainfall also plays an important role. When rain falls, it cools the land surface and surrounding air. This process, known as evaporative cooling, lowers the temperature and creates a cold environment.
Another scientific reason behind this is the rapid loss of heat after sunset. In mountainous regions like Kashmir, heat gained during the day escapes quickly at night. As a result, even summer nights can feel quite cold. This large difference between day and night temperatures adds to the illusion of changing seasons. These unusual weather patterns teach an important lesson about nature. They show that human perception can sometimes be misleading. A warm winter day does not mean winter has ended, and a cold summer evening does not mean winter has returned. Nature works according to its own laws, but human feelings often interpret it differently. In conclusion, the weather of Kashmir is a beautiful combination of science and sensation. It creates moments of happiness when warmth appears in winter and moments of surprise when cold returns in summer. This constant change not only defines the climate of the region but also shapes the lifestyle and emotions of its people. Kashmir’s weather, therefore, is not just a natural condition but an experience full of wonder, illusion, and reality.
(The author is a freelancer. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
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