The prolonged dry spell in Kashmir will likely come to an end as the region prepares for Chille Kalan. The Meteorological Department forecasts snowfall in higher reaches and rain in the plains beginning December 20, bringing much-needed moisture after nearly two weeks of dry weather.
An official from the Meteorological Department (MeT) indicated that weather conditions from December 18 to 19 would remain partly to generally cloudy, with potential for very light snowfall at isolated higher reaches of North and Central Kashmir. This marks the start of significant weather changes in the valley.
“A more active western disturbance will impact the region from late night on December 20 to December 21,” the official stated. This system will bring light to moderate snowfall over higher reaches and light to moderate rain at many locations in the plains of Jammu and Kashmir, providing relief from the dry conditions.
On December 22, residents should expect generally cloudy weather with scattered light rain or snowfall. Following this, from December 23 to 29, the weather will likely stay partly to generally cloudy. Further into the month, December 30 and 31 will see continued cloudy conditions with isolated snowfall expected in higher areas.
Snowfall Advisory Issued by MeT
In light of these forecasts, the MeT Department has issued a snowfall advisory. It warns that moderate to heavy snowfall may blanket some higher reaches of Kupwara, Bandipora, and Ganderbal districts, particularly on December 21. This could affect travel plans significantly.
The department urges travelers and transport operators to plan their journeys carefully and adhere to all traffic and administrative advisories to ensure safety amidst changing weather conditions.
Current Temperature Trends
Meanwhile, temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir have remained notably above normal for this time of year. In Srinagar, temperatures peaked at 10.6°C, which is approximately 1.2°C above average, with a minimum of 0.2°C. Gulmarg reported a maximum of 8.8°C, nearly 4°C above normal, and a minimum of 1.6°C.
In the northern areas, Kupwara recorded maximum temperatures around 10.8°C and a minimum of -1.0°C. Similarly, Pahalgam recorded temperatures of 11.2°C as a maximum and 0.4°C as a minimum, while Qazigund saw maximums of 13.0°C and minimums of 0.8°C.
In the Jammu region, Jammu city has been warmer, with maximum temperatures reaching 22.3°C and minimums at 11.0°C. Notably, the MeT Department reported that no rainfall occurred at any station in the previous 24 hours, underscoring the dry spell’s duration.
As the forecast indicates rain and snow on the horizon, the people of Kashmir and visitors alike hope for a return to a more typical winter season, conducive to snow sports and essential water supply.
