Kashmir Dry Spell Set to End as MeT Forecasts Snowfall from December 20
Snowfall forecast over higher reaches from December 20 as Chillai Kalan begins
Srinagar, Dec 18: After weeks of prolonged dry weather, Kashmir is likely to witness a change from December 20, with the Meteorological Centre Srinagar forecasting snowfall over higher reaches and rain in the plains of Jammu and Kashmir.
The predicted spell of snowfall from December 20 to 21 coincides with the onset of Chillai Kalan, the harshest 40-day winter period in the Kashmir Valley. The region has experienced an extended dry phase since early November, raising concerns over water availability, agriculture and winter tourism.
According to the Meteorological Department, weather conditions will remain partly to generally cloudy till Friday, with chances of very light snowfall at isolated higher reaches of North and Central Kashmir. However, an active western disturbance is expected to impact the region from the late night of December 20.
During December 20 and 21, generally cloudy conditions are likely, accompanied by light to moderate snowfall over the higher reaches of the Kashmir division. The plains of Jammu and Kashmir may receive light to moderate rainfall, with the intensity peaking between late night of December 20 and late afternoon of December 21.
On December 22, the weather is expected to remain generally cloudy, with light rain or snow at scattered locations. From December 23 to 29, conditions are likely to stay partly to generally cloudy. Another brief spell of light snowfall is also expected at isolated higher reaches on December 30 and 31.
The MeT Department has warned that higher reaches of Kupwara, Bandipora and Ganderbal districts may receive moderate to heavy snowfall, particularly on December 21. Travellers and transporters have been advised to plan their journeys carefully and adhere to traffic and administrative advisories.
The anticipated snowfall is expected to provide relief from the prolonged dry conditions in the Valley and improve prospects for water resources and winter tourism.
Meanwhile, night temperatures across Kashmir remained near freezing. Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 0.2°C, while Qazigund and Pahalgam in south Kashmir registered 0.8°C and 0.4°C respectively. The tourist resort of Gulmarg settled at 1.6°C, officials said.
