The prolonged dry spell in Kashmir is likely to end as the Chille Kalan approaches, with the Meteorological Department forecasting snowfall in higher reaches and rain in the plains. This change comes after nearly two weeks of largely dry weather, which disappointed many locals.
An official from the Meteorological Department (MeT) confirmed that from December 18 to 19, weather conditions are expected to be partly to generally cloudy. They predict the possibility of very light snowfall in isolated higher reaches of North and Central Kashmir.
The official noted that a more active western disturbance is likely to affect the region from late night on December 20 to December 21. This system will bring light to moderate snowfall over the peaks of the Kashmir division, alongside light to moderate rain at various locations in the plains.
The forecast indicates that on December 22, the region can expect generally cloudy weather with possible light rain or snowfall occurring at scattered locations. From December 23 to 29, clouds will persist, potentially leading to more snowfall.
On December 30 and 31, conditions are expected to remain cloudy, with an increased likelihood of light snowfall in isolated higher reaches.
The MeT Department has issued a snowfall advisory. They warn that certain higher reaches in the Kupwara, Bandipora, and Ganderbal districts may experience moderate to heavy snowfall, especially on December 21. They urged travelers and transporters to carefully plan their journeys and adhere to all traffic and administrative advisories.
Despite the snowfall on the horizon, temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir have remained unusually high for this time of year. Srinagar, for instance, recorded a maximum temperature of 10.6°C, which is about 1.2°C above the average. The minimum temperature hovered at 0.2°C.
Similarly, Gulmarg noted a maximum of 8.8°C, approximately 4°C above normal, with a minimum temperature of 1.6°C. In north Kashmir, Kupwara showed a maximum of 10.8°C and a minimum of -1.0°C. Pahalgam recorded 11.2°C for the maximum and 0.4°C for the minimum, while Qazigund registered a maximum of 13.0°C and a minimum of 0.8°C.
In the Jammu region, temperatures also exceeded norms, with Jammu city experiencing a maximum of 22.3°C and a minimum of 11.0°C. The latest report from the MeT Department indicated that no rainfall was recorded at any station in the past 24 hours, leaving many locals eager for the promised changes in the weather.